5148 - Meckenem, Israhel van

Meckenem, Israhel van The Griffin. Copperplate engraving after Martin Schongauer. 12.8 x 9.2 cm. B. 193, Lehrs IX, pp. 386, 494, Hollstein 494. Mark: Gothic P (cf. Lehrs 21). In the 15th century, the mythical figure of the griffin—whose origins date back to antiquity—took on an ambivalent significance. Due to its majestic appearance, this hybrid creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion was regarded as a royal symbol and appeared on many coats of arms as the embodiment of vigilance and strength. In courtly and religious literature, however, the griffin is frequently portrayed as a violent monster, whose unnatural form is described as a diabolical creation. In Israhel van Meckenem’s depiction, which is based on a Schongauer engraving but interpreted in the opposite sense, both interpretations are combined. The animal’s tense, striding posture and fiery eyes—depicted in a strictly heraldic profile—convey a sense of defensiveness on the one hand, while its demonic characteristics are carefully rendered on the other. A reptilian tongue darts out from behind sharp fangs in the curved eagle’s beak; the rear part of the torso resembles that of an emaciated cow. These animalistic details are closely observed and rendered in a naturalistic style. In the Middle Ages, the griffin was believed to be a real creature—this depiction must therefore have seemed utterly convincing to contemporaries. Excellent, even impression with a slight plate tone and delicate smudges; like many museum copies, it is trimmed within the plate margin—on the right almost to the edge of the image, on the left with minimal loss of the wing tip. An inconspicuous horizontal center fold; minimally dusty and stained; the outermost edges have barely noticeable fraying; otherwise in fine condition. Of the utmost rarity. A duplicate of the Albertina, Vienna (Lugt 5d). - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.