Wheellock Rifle of Emperor Leopold I

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The cheek of the stock is decorated with the double-headed eagle, symbol of the Holy Roman Empire. A portrait of Emperor Leopold I is carved in its center, with the seven electors over the spread wings. This was likely meant to commemorate the emperor’s recent victory over the Ottomans, accomplished with the help of the electors. The rifle was one of a matching pair presented to him. The now lost mate to this gun was carved with the date 1664, the year a peace treaty was signed with the Ottoman sultan.

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