Triton and Siren in Tendrils

Lucas van Leyden

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of two mythical creatures holding shields amidst ornamental foliage. The drawing features two stylized, mythical creatures positioned within separate circular frames made of elaborate foliage motifs. On the left, a creature with the torso of a man and a long flowing beard clutches a shield-like object. On the right, a creature with a human upper body and the tail of a fish holds a shield. Both figures are set against a background dense with swirling, leaf-like decorations. At the bottom center, between the creatures, there is a square compartment with the letter 'L'. The style suggests intricate Renaissance ornamental elements with a significant emphasis on curves and textures.