Artwork preview

The Griffin

Israhel van Meckenem after Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a print of a creature with attributes of a bird and mammal. The creature has the head of a bird with a sharp beak, feathered wings, and a mammal’s body with a tail that curls upwards. Its front legs look like those of a bird, while its back legs look like those of a horse or donkey. The creature’s beak is open, and its long tongue is sticking out. The print highlights the creature’s feathers, fur, and muscles. The letters "I.M.C" appear below the creature.

Artwork Details

Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
3243 × 3555 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original