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Master Dodemont of Normandy
French, active mid-16th century
Model Artillery with Field Carriage, 1580
Bronze, wood, and iron
Barrel: 67.8 cm (26 11/16 in.)
Overall 35.7 x 109.2 x 33.7 cm (14 x 43 x 13 1/4 in.)
Caliber: 2.3 cm (15/16 in.)
Left cheek to end of trail: 81.5 cm (32 1/8 in.)
Width at cheek: 12.1 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Width at trail: 18.1 cm (7 1/8 in.)
Diameter of wheel: 30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.)
Distance between outer side of hubs: 37.5 cm (14 3/4 in.)
Distance between mounted cannon muzzle and end of trail: 112.3 cm (44 3/16 in.)
Weight of cannon: 20 lb. 1 oz.
Weight of carriage: 21 lb. 4 oz.
George F. Harding Collection, 1982.2179a-c
A mask, the open mouth of which acts as a vent for the cannon, is chiseled in relief at the breech end of the barrel. Inscribed above the mask is the name Dodeman, which could be the name of either the artist or the owner of the cannon. Skillfully chased and sculpted on a stippled ground are relief figures—a warrior in classical armor holding a shield and wielding a sword, a figure of Fame standing on a helmet and breastplate under a canopy, and a figure of Victory. A rare feature of this finely cast and chased bronze cannon is the field carriage with old nails that appears to be original.
— Permanent collection label
