Artwork Page for The Griffin

Details / Information for The Griffin

The Griffin

c. 1480–90

Martin Schongauer

(German, c. 1450–1491)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Measurements
Sheet: 10.8 x 10.3 cm (4 1/4 x 4 1/16 in.); Mat Size: 49 x 36.2 cm (19 5/16 x 14 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1926.466
Catalogue raisonné
Lehrs V.337.93
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Compare Schongauer's griffin with two CMA sculptures of the same subject, once placed as guardian figures in the portal of an Italian Romanesque Christian church (1928.861.1 and 1928.861.2).

Description

According to medieval bestiaries (books of beasts), the griffin is an imaginary and immensely dangerous creature, believed to carry off humans and oxen. Usually depicted with the body of a lion and the head, wings, and claws of an eagle, the griffin symbolizes both courage and vigilance. Its dual nature also signifies that of Christ himself: divine (bird) and human (animal). Martin Schongauer's griffin is an unusual combination of an eagle and an ox—see the back hoofed paws—departing from the traditional representation of this animal as part eagle and part lion. With a few bold strokes of the burin, Schongauer rendered in a naturalistic way the shape and texture of the feathers and fur of this fabled beast.
An engraving in black ink depicts a composite creature facing right. It features a crested bird head with an open beak and protruding tongue. The feathered chest and wings merge into a mammalian body with hooved legs. One bird-like talon is raised forward, while others rest on the ground. A thin tail with a tufted end curls above the back. Fine hatched lines provide shading; "M + S" sits at the bottom center.

The Griffin

c. 1480–90

Martin Schongauer

(German, c. 1450–1491)
Germany

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