Design for a Dagger Sheath with Cain and Abel

Heinrich Aldegrever

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an ornate, vertical ornamental design that includes mythological figures and intricate patterns. The drawing features a long, symmetrical motif resembling a decorative sword or architectural element adorned with classical elements. From the top, the structure begins with a pair of mirrored figures with swirling designs resembling ram's horns. Below, a section shows a central roundel with cherubic figures flanking it. Further down is a rectangular panel depicting a mythological scene. Additional round motifs, cherubic decorations, and decorative floral and leaf engravings adorn the remaining sections, leading to intricate scrollwork surrounding a bearded face at the bottom.