The Griffin, ca. 1475

Blatt: 104 x 98 mm

Physical Description: Engraving

Inventory Number: 56424

Object Number: 56424 D

Acquisition: Acquired in 1876

Status: Can be presented in the study room of the Graphische Sammlung (special opening hours)

Texts

About the Work

A griffin is an ancient mythical creature to which the Late Middle Ages attached both positive and negative meaning—as a heraldic animal symbolizing vigilance, and as a demonic hybrid. Traditionally a lion with an eagle’s head, here it is depicted as a fantastical combination of direct observations of nature. The head resembles that of an eagle but also a fierce cock, the body that of an emaciated bovine. The curves of the neck, tail, and wings lend the composition an almost ornamental quality.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: The Griffin

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Period Produced

15th century

Object Type

art print

Physical Description: Engraving

Material

Vergé paper

Technique

copperplate engraving

Geographic Reference

German

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Monogrammiert in der Platte unten mittig: M+S

Captions Added Later: Verso bezeichnet (mit Bleistift): B No 93 / 8 / 1505 / No [...]
Verso Stempel der Sammlung Karl Ferdinand Friedrich von Nagler, Ansbach und Berlin (Lugt 2529)
Verso Stempel des Kupferstichkabinetts der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin (Lugt 1606)
Verso Tilgungsstempel des Kupferstichkabinetts Berlin (Lugt 2398)
Verso Stempel der Sammlung Karl Eduard von Liphart, Dorpat, Bonn und Florenz (Lugt 1687)
Verso Stempel des Städelschen Kunstinstituts, Frankfurt am Main (Lugt 2356), mit zugehöriger Inventarnummer

Watermark