The Armour Archive

I'm thinking about buying a bow for target archery.

I know nothing about bows, having only shot with other folks modern compound bows.

What would be commonly used in Italy, early 1500's? Where would I find that? Are you selling one?

Look to the paintings of the period. Specifically, if you google image search for Vittore Carpaccio and the Martyrdom of the Pilgrims and the Funeral of St. Ursula (cir 1495). There is an archer with a reflex bow with rigid syahs. His arrow case is not unlike several others seen in various paintings. Do searches for a popular subject of the period with archery gear; "The Marydom of St. Sebastian". Paintings by Girolamo Genga (c. 1500), which also has recurved or longbows with whipped ends.

OTOH, crossbows can also be used for target archery and they are very italian (for Genoa).
-Cian

Thanks.

Where does one buy a sort of bow like that? [reflex bow with rigid syahs]

check your Pm's

To my eye, the one in carpaccio looks to be a cross between a roman bow, with smooth hungarian or avar syahs.
Like this one, but longer (this is a small bow of similar shape):
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... +Horse+Bow

I would join the SCA target archery group on Yahoo Groups, and pose the question there, as there are probably people who've researched that persona greatly. I would guess there are probably better options, and subtle differences in the types of bows.
I would guess the quiver is pretty spot on in that painting as a medditeranean style.

The bows in the Genga painting are all quite small, with small syahs. Reminds me of a scythian bow. Because the paintings are of individuals who were martyrd over 1000 years earlier than the paintings, there is a possibility that they might be intentionally apocryphal. But the clothing appears contemporary to my eyes. (not really my period of interest though).
-C