Weapons & Tools Depcited in Art

Tools and Weapons in Art

Since the dawn of mankind, humans have crafted tools to assist them in their daily lives. From the first rock thrown in anger, to the first tree branch used to dig, society’s relationship to tools and weapons has been represented in all of the visual arts. Throughout our textbook I have interpreted the recurring theme of tools and weapons in the arts.

From the opening chapter we examine “Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa” Fig. 0.1 (Sporre 12). His relationship with his weapon appears both proud and protective as he positions his sword away from his body opposite it’s target – the head of Medusa. It almost seems as if Perseus has stepped in between a fight amongst two quarreling school children, holding his weapon aside as the innocent party and the head of Medusa as the instigator. And though this piece is anatomically from a distance, a closer look reveals many details were left out; nipples, eyebrows, etc. However, the handle of the sword seems to have an abundant of detail in the decoration. This indicates the artist put considerable thought into this weapons appearance.

Later in chapter one, we are reminded that cavemen did not invent the wheel. In “Ashurnasirpal II killing lions” Fig. 1.6 (Sporre 37), the rendering of an early Sumerian chariot clearly highlights the magnificent tool as utilized for transportation. Note the fine lines, the intricate detail on the hub of the wheel, and even detail on the spokes. When taken as a whole, the wheel in this carving is more prominent than the people riding in the chariot.

Again, in chapter two, we find another piece where the weapon ends up being the center of focus. It is difficult to tell if any one work of art intended for the weapons to figure so prominently, but collectively there is certainly a subconscious emphasis on them.

In “The Pan Painter, Attic Red Figure Krater” Fig. 2.7 (Sporre 58) the weapon is clearly the focal point. The vast negative space contrasting with the thin, but balanced bow and arrow draw ones eye right to the area. Furthermore, the weapon in this particular vase painting is the impetus for the entire scene. Without the weapon, Artemis would not be shooting Actaeon. It is difficult to look at these weapons without noticing the great detail in both the weapon and its accessories. In this particular piece the artist went so far as to include a detailed arrow quiver complete with strap.