Griffin
Martin Schongauer
1470–1491 · Engraving · Drawings and Prints
A combination of an eagle and an ox, this griffin departs from traditional representations in which it is shown as part eagle, part lion. Martin Schongauer imparted a great deal of majesty and naturalism to this mythical beast, whose depiction is more effective than many of the artist’s images of animals from the natural world. The self-assured draftsmanship in this late work reveals Schongauer’s artistic maturity; most telling is the shape and texture of the feathers, which are suggested with a few bold strokes.
- Artist
- Martin Schongauer
- Date
- 1470–1491
- Medium
- Engraving
- Department
- Drawings and Prints
- Credit line
- Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1927
