● On view now — Gallery 239
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Compared with the rugged pole arms of the previous century, used to pull down horsemen, this halberd is more delicate. The ax-head is little more than a crescent shape, and the pierced fluke or hook is mostly ornamental. Still, the central point remains a functional blade. Military officers would have used halberds like this to lead and press their men into formation.
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German — Halberd
German — Halberd
Austrian — Halberd for the Bodyguard of Archduke of Inner Au
French — Partisan
Austrian — Halberd for the Bodyguard of Emperor Mattias
German — Glaive of the Bodyguard of August I, Elector of Sax
Swiss — Poleaxe
German — Halberd
German — Walking Staff with Sword Hilt
Northern German, Brunswick — Two-Handed Sword for the Bodygu
German — Halberd
Italian — Bill (Ronca)