Vignette au Mascaron

Hans Sebald Beham

Cleveland Museum of Art

Black and white engraving of two cherubs, one on the left and one on the right. The cherub on the left is on one knee with their left arm raised, touching a leafy vine above; their right hand rests on their right knee. The cherub on the right sits on one knee, their right arm raised and their left hand on their left knee; both cherubs have wings. The cherubs flank a grotesque, screaming face with flames surrounding the top of its head. Scroll-like ribbons extend from the face on both sides and curl outward. The engraving is bordered by leafy vines and tendrils; a ribbon-like element with flowing ends is at the top center. The year '1544' and initials 'HSB' are engraved at the bottom center.