One thing that became immediately clear was that throughout history the sword cannot be reduced to one particular design. Through different ages and cultures and specific uses, the blade shape shifted.

Influenced by advancements in military technology, such as the invention of the cross-guard by the Normans around 1000 BC. Adopted as a fashion accessory, as reflected in the elaborately decorated small swords of the 19th century. More extreme examples include the terbutje, the shark tooth swords from the Gilbert Islands, and the ancient slender Abyssinian shotel. Specialty uses influenced designs as well, such as the executioner’s sword that took the shape of a large long and heavy blade without a point, or the Indian gupti, a hidden straight blade inside a cane.

For 5000 active years, the sword accompanied humanity in its many forms, and for its versatility and resilience, it was a prime choice in melee combat, nicknamed the Queen of Weapons, as well as a powerful symbol of faith. The first bronze swords were buried alongside their owners. The Crown of England still uses 17th century coronation swords. Al-Ma’thur, the sword of the prophet Muhammad, lays as a relic on display in Istanbul. Nigeria’s ceremonial blades are immediately recognisable due to their leaflike shape.

Outclassed by firearms for decades already, swords were lastly used en masse during the second World War, where different nations still brought swords to the battlefield. While they were often left behind when headed to the frontlines, the Chinese and Japanese were still obligated by command to bring military versions of their da dao and katana into battle. After the war, Japan banned the production of military swords altogether.

For the most part of its more recent history, the sword became a status symbol, with side swords and civilian rapiers becoming a popular carry around for both men and women of the aristocratic West during the 1500s. Even before and after, a well-made sword was an expensive object, not easily acquired by just anyone. Swords made by the best smiths were considered of extreme value. The 13th century Honjō Masamune blade was one of Japan’s National Treasures until it was lost in 1946.

Tales also added to the legendary status of a blade, such as the famous Sword of Fierbois, wielded by Jeanne d’Arc, carrying it into victory for the French during the Hundred Years’ War. Indeed, great tales seem to be where swords reside today. Possibly the most famous and a must-mention: Excalibur. The sword in the stone’s legend was forged over many centuries, with a modern version featured in John Boorman’s movie rendition from 1981.

Many more modern stories feature swords as one of their main actors: Star Wars’ futuristic lightsabers from 1977, Guts’ Dragon Slayer in the Berserk manga from 1998, the Marvel hero Blade’s blade from the eponymous 1998 film, Beatrix’s katana in Tarantino’s 2003/2004 Kill Bill double feature, and Brienne’s Oathkeeper in the Game of Thrones books and TV series.

But these swords are not wielded. Apart from fencing as a sport and reenactment plays, the soul of the sword might today just live on in video games, where they take on even bolder forms. Larger, brighter, sharper, combined, animated and articulated, even very much alive. In fiction, the sword becomes a being of our imagination.

They say the pen is even mightier. The brush surely is too. In a time where some of the largest nations of our world are in active wars, when our own country is pressured by Europe and NATO to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, the rise of fascism, talks of World War 3, … we’ve asked 44 artists to each deliver their unique take on the laden object. To dissect its shape, materiality and symbolism.

To draw their sword.

Benny Van den Meulengracht-Vrancx

Featuring the works of artists Alice Pandolfo, Alice Vanderschoot, Anouk Van Offenwert, Attila Buonsenso, Ayrton Eblé, Benny Van den Meulengracht-Vrancx, Bernard Depuydt, Brent Decraene, Daan Peeters, Daria Patrikeeva, Davide Zulli, Dimitris Siokis, Elen Braga, Elvira Mulkay, Esther Babulik, Fia Cielen, Geoffrey de Beer, Hans Wuyts, Hussein Shikha, Ignace Cami, Indrikis Gelzis, Jelle Spruyt, Joost Pauwaert, Karina Beumer, Kaspar Dejong & Violeta Catalan, Lara Gasparotto, Lieven Segers, Lisa Ijeoma, Mathias Mu, Nadia Naveau, Purna Renault, Stef Van Looveren, Tom Poelmans, Tom Volkaert, Veronika Pot, Walter Wathieu, Warre Mulder, Willem Boel, William Ludwig Lutgens, Witold Vandenbroeck, Xander Faes, Yannick Val Gesto and Yoon Shun.

Blade is the result of 44 artists delivering a sword to a gallery.

Conceptualised and curated by Benny Van den Meulengracht-Vrancx in collaboration with DMW Gallery.