Three Brooches with Winged Snakes at Left and Right and Winged Griffins at Bottom
1596
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1596
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Three Brooches with Winged Snakes at Left and Right and Winged Griffins at Bottom is a 1596 ink by Daniel Mignot, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows three ornate metal brooches drawn in black ink on light paper. Each brooch has a central stem with leaves and flowers, topped with a crown-like shape. The two brooches at the top are simpler, with geometric patterns and small diamonds. The larger brooch in the middle has more detail, including stars and swirls. On either side of it, winged snakes wrap around the design, and at the bottom, two griffins—part eagle, part lion—hold the brooch in place. The griffins and snakes add a mix of strength and fantasy to the metalwork. These designs were likely meant to look fancy and expensive, with lots of tiny lines to show texture. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists create these fine details.
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