Design for a Pendant with a Sphinx with the Body of a Fish Carrying a Man with an Oar

Hans Collaert the Elder

National Gallery of Art

This is an engraving of a creature with the scaly body of a fish, the head and torso of a human, and arms that end in long, sharp claws. The creature faces the right and wears an intricate crown, earrings, and a necklace. A human-like figure sits atop the creature while holding a long pole. The heads of the two figures both have chains leading from them that connect at the top, converging at a jeweled section with swirling ribbon. The lower part of the creature transforms into a tiered ornament with hanging elements resembling jewels or droplets. The background is plain paper.