Pierre De Dreux Pommel Front Side A
1 media/Pommel Front_thumb.jpeg 2022-11-02T13:00:15-07:00 Liam Foley 3e4fa841aa48da36f8fa69095bab14b6e130ddbd 39447 2 Sword Pommel with the Arms of Pierre de Dreux (ca. 1187–1250), Duke of Brittany and Earl of Richmond ca. 1240–50. French.. Copper, gold, enamel, iron. Swords-Accessories. New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 38.60 plain 2022-11-02T13:56:39-07:00 Liam Foley 3e4fa841aa48da36f8fa69095bab14b6e130ddbdThis page is referenced by:
-
1
media/Pommel Front.jpeg
2022-06-16T10:07:26-07:00
Sword Pommel with the Arms of Pierre de Dreux, Duke of Brittany and Earl of Richmond (MET 38.60)
22
plain
2023-01-17T14:34:39-08:00
48.25410177357274, -2.7591237807900164
Part of the base of a sword, this pommel is one of the few objects that can be definitively linked to a historical crusader. It was crafted for Pierre de Dreux, the Duke of Brittany and the Earl of Richmond. Pierre was captured during the Seventh Crusade in Egypt in 1250. Later ransomed and released, he died during his return journey to France.
The pommel features a dual-sided design. One side of the pommel features Pierre’s coat of arms, which contains the arms of Dreux as well as that of Brittany, a title that Pierre obtained through his marriage to the Duchess Alix of Brittany. The reverse side of the pommel shows a large red cross, a common crusader motif. This cross symbolizes the wielder's commitment to the crusader cause. This side also features vines, which symbolize the life and vitality of the cross.
-
1
2022-06-16T10:05:55-07:00
Why was this made, and how was it used?
7
plain
2022-12-22T07:01:08-08:00
Pierre de Dreux's sword pommel was created as a testament to his wealth and power. The pommel symbolizes Pierre's leadership of both the House of Dreux and Brittany, two prestigious titles. The pommel was used as a decorative and practical attachment to the Duke's sword, assisting his grip while also projecting his influence. During the Seventh Crusade, the pommel served as a portable and constant reminder of Pierre's homeland and identity.
-
1
2022-06-16T10:07:10-07:00
What does this tell us about the Crusades?
6
plain
2022-12-21T11:54:34-08:00
Pierre's pommel catches your eye, appearing at first more like a lavish seal or coin than as part of a battlefield weapon. However, as Pierre was a wealthy and high-status crusader, it was appropriate for his pommel to properly reflect his identity. Pierre and the sword's designers decided to couple his family heraldry with the sign of the cross, projecting Pierre's power and influence as well as his commitment to the crusader cause.
The sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux offers us an individualized window into the crusades. It gives us a remarkable view of the types of people who went on crusade and the their motivations. This pommel connects us to a wealthy French Duke who went on Crusade hundreds of years ago and was captured in Egypt in the Seventh Crusade (1248–1254).
