Flemish

Halberd

1620/50
Steel, iron, and wood

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● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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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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