Lot 4204
"Iron Maiden", a modern copy made for a collector in the style of the Early Modern Period
Antique Arms and Armour from all over the world | A83aw | Live auction | 186 Lots
Description
A hollowed-out log, carved in one piece, in the form of a sarcophagus (7 to 9 cm thickness) with contoured shoulders and two hinged doors, the exterior with numerous sheet iron reinforcements of various lengths and shapes. At the head a studded iron band with hinged iron mask of riveted bars. Both doors studded with eight and nine, respectively, long quadrangular and inwardly-pointing spikes. Metal parts corroded to various degrees. Log with traces of moisture at back and top. Height 206 cm. Width 58 cm.The infamous iron maiden of Nuremberg was first mentioned in a document in 1533. As exceptionally cruel torture and execution device it became the epitome of medieval law. This instrument was however primarily used to intimidate the delinquent and force a confession. Writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker were inspired by the iron maiden of Nuremberg. During the invasion of Iraq in 2003, US Army soldiers allegedly found a kind of iron maiden which had been used by Uday, Saddam Hussein’s son, to torture unpleasant individuals to death.
Condition: III Questions about the lot?
