Shield with Lion's Head, Held by Wild Woman

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a woman and child in an allegorical scene. The composition features a central female figure with flowing hair and a wreath of flowers. She is seated and holding a young child. The backdrop consists of large ornamental shapes resembling waves or architectural elements. In the foreground, there is a heraldic shield with a lion's face. The style is detailed with crosshatching and fine line work, reminiscent of Renaissance engraving, with an artistic monogram at the bottom.