Griffin

Art Historical Context

Behold the majestic *Griffin*, a masterful engraving by Martin Schong, one of the greatest German printmakers of the late 15 century. Created between 1470 and 1491, this intimate work measures just 4 by 3⅝ inches, inviting close contemplation of its intricate details. Schongauer, active during the Northern Renaissance, bridged Gothic traditions with emerging realism, and his engravings were prized across Europe for their technical brilliance and widespread dissemination—often more influential than his paintings. The subject, a griffin—a mythical hybrid of eagle and lion—embodies strength, vig...

About the Artist

Martin Schongauer · 1435–1491

Martin Schongauer, born around 1450–1453 in Colmar, Alsace, emerged from a family of skilled artisans. The third of four or five sons of goldsmith Caspar Schongauer, who had relocated from Augsburg to Colmar around 1440, Martin was immersed in the goldsmith's trade from youth, likely receiving his initial training in his father's workshop—a common path for early engravers. He further honed his ski...