The writhen or roped support elements on the 15th century examples makes me wonder if that feature was a strengthening rather than aesthetic use.
Best regards,
Jim[/QUOTE]
Hi Jim,
I guess in this case it actually was a bit of both.
Generally I think it was mostly for decorative purposes though. As I have tried to put out in my threads several times the roped or writhen decoration is a characteristic stylistic element of all ironwork, including A&A, from the late 15th to the mid 16th century. It is found as a filed ornament on the brims of Gothic sallets and 'Maximilian' suits of armor, as well as on barrel sections, springs etc. of firearms or the pommels and cross guards of swords of the 1520's-40's.
However, its use was not limited to ironwork. You will find roped bands carved on all Late Gothic/Early Renaissance furniture, on apothecary bronze mortars etc. so that one can safely state that this stylistic element was applied to all arts and crafts alike.
Best wishes as ever,
your friend Michael
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