Artwork
Shield with Lion, Held by Angel
Shield with Lion, Held by Angel is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Shield with Lion, Held by Angel is an engraving created by Martin Schongauer around 1485. As a prominent Alsatian artist of the late 15th century, Schongauer was the leading printmaker north of the Alps prior to Albrecht Dürer. This work is one of 116 known engravings showcasing his mastery of detail and composition.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving features a heraldic lion emblazoned on a shield, upheld by an angel. Additional elements include a bird perched on a branch below the shield. The composition is enclosed within a decorative border, underscoring the piece's symbolic and possibly heraldic significance.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the engraving utilizes fine lines to achieve nuanced shading and texture. This technique, characteristic of late 15th-century printmaking, highlights Schongauer's skill in capturing depth and detail through precise linework.
History & Provenance
While specific ownership history of Shield with Lion, Held by Angel is not provided, its creation circa 1485 places it within Schongauer's established oeuvre of 116 engravings, cementing its attribution to the artist.
Context
This engraving reflects the artistic preferences of the late 1400s, where detailed, symbolic compositions were valued. Schongauer's work influenced the development of printmaking in Europe, preceding the emergence of Albrecht Dürer.
Legacy
As part of Schongauer's extensive body of engravings, Shield with Lion, Held by Angel contributes to his legacy as a pivotal figure in European printmaking, notable for his technical proficiency and compositional acumen.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
