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Fencing Paintings |
Plate VIII
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Plate VII
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Plate VI
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Enter Gallery
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Gallery Description
Fencing originated as a practice of swordsmanship to prepare men for fights and wars. Depictions on an Egyptian temple dating back to 1190 B.C gives clear evidence of the existence of fencing years ago. Some forms of fencing existed among the ancient Babylonians, Greeks, Persians and Romans also. During the 15th century, soldiers were required to develop some skills with the sword, and fencing was also considered to be a pastime for the upper class. The swords of that time were quite heavy and the tactics used were also meant to immobilize or even kill the opponent.
Fencing as a sport requiring speed and skill began with the introduction of the rapier which was developed in Italy during the 16th century. The length of the rapier required the opponents to fight at a distance, using quick controlled lunges, attacking the opponent with the point of the rapier. Later, the French courtiers, requiring a change of style in their sword introduced a shorter sword to go with the brocaded jackets, breeches and silk stockings. This sword known as the court sword was ideal for fencing, being lighter and stronger. A special version of the court sword called ‘foil’ was also developed and these swords made the technique of one-handed fencing popular, the left hand being used primarily for balance. The three weapons used in fencing are the foil, epee and sabre having different styles and different types of scoring patters in official fencing competitions.
Another sword, called the colichemarde was also popularized during this time. This sword had a blade with a triangular cross-section and slightly concave sides. This evolved into the modern-day epee. The third of the fencing weapons, the saber was introduced in Europe in the late eighteenth century, and this became quite popular and effective. The modern fencing weapon is straight like the foil and epee, but with one cutting edge to hit the opponents.
Fencing has been part of Olympics from very early times, ever since 1896. The rules for the game are different based on weapon used, reflecting the differences in the backgrounds of the weapons.
Visit our gallery of fencing paintings for a beautiful collection of paintings on this sport of fencing.
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Sunday, October, 12 th
2008
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