Armes européennes - Histoire d'une collection au musée du Louvre

History of a collection at the Musée du Louvre

From Charlemagne's sword to Gauguin's dagger, the Musée du Louvre's collection of European arms comprises some three hundred pieces, most of which are unpublished and little known to the public.

Masterpieces designed in Italy by Antonio del Pollaiuolo or the Negroli family rub shoulders with weapons of royal provenance, such as the golden morion of Charles IX, the swords of academicians, Napoleonic souvenirs and all manner of curiosities. This collection was not born of a desire to create a reference work, but has been built up over the course of revolutions and donations from collectors. At once a witness to the nation's history and a reminder of the tastes of 19th-century enthusiasts, it has a unique physiognomy that is finally presented in this book. The public will discover these long-forgotten arms and armor, as well as the people who made, used and collected them.

French