The Griffin
Martin Schongauer (German, c. 1450–1491)
c. 1480–90
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
sheet: 10.8 × 10.3 cm · mat size: 49 × 36.2 cm
Classification
Department
Prints
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Dudley P. Allen Fund
Accession Number
1926.466
Tags
male
About this artwork
According to medieval bestiaries (books of beasts), the griffin is an imaginary and immensely dangerous creature, believed to carry off humans and oxen. Usually depicted with the body of a lion and the head, wings, and claws of an eagle, the griffin symbolizes both courage and vigilance. Its dual nature also signifies that of Christ himself: divine (bird) and human (animal). Martin Schongauer's griffin is an unusual combination of an eagle and an ox—see the back hoofed paws—departing from the tr...