For our next rapier unit, we’ll be studying the Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing by Ridolfo Capo Ferro da Cagli. This manual was published in 1610 in Siena, which is part of the Tuscany region of Italy.
His contemporaries include Vincentio Saviolo (1595), Camillo Palladini (ca. 1600), Marco Docciolini (1601), Nicoletto Giganti (1606), Salvator Fabris (1606), André des Bordes (1610), and the anonymous MS 23223 (ca. 1600).
The weapon taught by Capo Ferro was quite long by modern standards.
Therefore the sword has to be twice as long as the arm, and as much as my extraordinary pace, which length corresponds equally to that which is from my armpit down to the sole of my foot.
Chapter 3, Passage 36
Using the 1st or 3rd method, a 6 foot tall man will need a sword with an overall length of 57” (1.45 m). The longest modern fencing sword that is readily available is only 51” (1.3 m), though historical ones could be as long as 60” (1.5 m).
While apparently not very popular in his own time, Capo Ferro’s work has been much lauded by later fencers. To whit we are blessed with multiple translations and guides to his work.
Translations
William Jherek Swanger and William E. Wilson, Typeset Version or Text Only
Italian Rapier Combat: Capo Ferro’s ‘Grand Simulacro’ by Jared Kirby
Ridolfo Capoferro’s The Art and Practice of Fencing: A Practical Translation for the Modern Swordsman by Tom Leoni
Study Guides
The Duellist’s Companion: A training manual for 17th century Italian rapier by Guy Windsor
Practical Capo Ferro by William E. Wilson
Teaching Capo Ferro by David A. Biggs