Cesare Borgia’s Sword: ‘the Queen of Swords’

Cesare Borgia’s sword is justifiably named La Regina delle Spade or The Queen of Swords, and she is a masterpiece of Renaissance craftsmanship. Its blade, scabbard, and decorations tell a story of power, divinity, and legacy, reflecting Cesare’s self-fashioned image as a ruler destined for greatness, like Julius Caesar. The sword is a cinquedea of which the date of origin is disputed a lot. Most scholars claimed it was manufactured between 1492 and 1498. Recent research establishes the date of the images placed on the sword between 1500 and 1501 based on the engravings and the scene of the Crossing of the Rubicon.  The sword itself was possibly fabricated and used for the first time in 1497 when Cesare was papal legate in Naples.[1]

The first third of the blade gleams with gold and is etched with intricate designs that blend narrative and symbolism, and are a testament to Cesare’s aspirations and ideals. All in all, there are eight scenes and especially two of them stand apart. One depicts two winged putti holding a caduceus, a symbol of peace and negotiation. The other displays the name “CESAR,” arranged as a multi-level monogram. This design, as suggested by research, may have been created by none other than Leonardo da Vinci during his time with Cesare in Milan. The remaining six scenes deal with the classical world, drawing parallels between Cesare and the legendary figures of antiquity. One side of the blade features a depiction of the Sacrifice or Worship of a Bull. The bull, a key symbol of the Borgia family. Another scene portrays Caesar Crossing the Rubicon, immortalizing the historic moment when Julius Caesar defied the Roman Senate and sealed his fate as a leader.

The scabbard of this extraordinary sword is equally remarkable. When it was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1869 (where it is still housed), director Henry Cole described it as “the finest piece of art in leather known.” Despite a split in the back of the leather that left it unfinished, its craftsmanship is simply awe-inspiring. The front of the scabbard features a grand depiction of the Triumph of Love. At its center, is Venus, the goddess of love. The back of the scabbard features intertwining flames, a symbol of the Borgias, and the same monogram found on the blade.

Together, the sword and scabbard form a powerful statement about Cesare Borgia’s vision for his reign. Through their allegorical program, they proclaim his rule as one of military dominance, divine favor, and enduring peace. These objects are not just weapons or adornments but symbols of Cesare’s cultivated image as a Renaissance prince, a leader inspired by antiquity yet determined to shape his own destiny.

Today, it is the Fondazione Caetani that proudly holds in its possession this magnificent parade sword of Cesare Borgia. After Cesare’s defeat, it was given to the Caetani family by Pope Julius II who, for various reasons, felt they deserved to own it.

[1] Bemis, “At the Court of the Prince: The Patronage and Art Historical Legacy of Cesare Borgia, 1492-1503.”

The picture of La Regina delle Spade was taken by SSK in Rome at the Fondazione Caetani. (courtesy approval)

The picture of the scabbard was taken by SSK at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.