Subject: condottiere 'contractor' mercenary captain
Culture: Milanese/Lombard, other Italian
Setting: Italy 15thc
Object: dagger
* Kimbell Art Museum > Art & War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries
"Agate Dagger early 16th century Sardonyx agate and steel ... The shape of this weapon,
presumably made in the Milanese sphere, is inspired by the 'disc' daggers of the fifteenth century.
The handle, with an octagonal section, is made of sardonyx agate. The ridge is inscribed with
DUCE TUTUS ACHATE, a reference to the story of Aeneas and Achates, one of Aeneas's most
trusted friends. The phrase is used to indicate an indivisible friendship. The first third of the blade
has a damascened gold decoration inspired by plant forms and spiraling ornaments,
reminiscent of decorative Spanish styles."
