Swords in Art -- what is this?

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by ALEX

Please see the below link - post 12, image 4.
This is early shamshir-like blade form, later seen on Russian and Caucasian swords. There are several in Hermitage and Topkapi collections.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=hermitage

These weapons are from the region we call the Middle East and are not nearly as old as the one depicted in the painting.