Artwork preview

The Griffin

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a fantastical creature. It combines features from multiple animals and resembles mythical beings often found in medieval art. The creature has a quadruped body with strong hind limbs, winged front limbs, a feathered neck, a bird-like head with a large beak and comb, fierce eyes, and a serpentine tail. The drawing shows detailed line work that emphasizes the creature's menacing and mythical nature.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1480/1490
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
3269 × 3455 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original