Artwork
Coat of Arms with Lion
Coat of Arms with Lion is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Coat of Arms with Lion is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1485. As a prolific German printmaker and goldsmith, van Meckenem produced over 620 prints, including reproductions of other artists' works, during his career spanning from circa 1465 to 1503.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a coat of arms featuring a lion on a central shield, surrounded by ornate elements including a lion's head crowned, and curly lines, all framed by swirling decorations. The name 'Hartkolt' is inscribed below the shield, suggesting the piece was designed to represent the heritage and authority of the Hartkolt family or lineage.
Technique & Style
Executed in the Northern European printmaking tradition of the late 1400s, the work showcases van Meckenem's engraving skills. Characterized by intricate black-and-white lines, the piece exemplifies the detailed, ornate style typical of heraldic designs from the period.
History & Provenance
Created during a time when van Meckenem's career overlapped with Albrecht Dürer's, the engraving is part of van Meckenem's extensive output, which included copies of Dürer's prints among others. The specific provenance of 'Coat of Arms with Lion' is not detailed here.
Context
Such coats of arms were commonly used by families or cities in Northern Europe during the 15th century to visually assert their power, history, and identity. The use of a lion, a symbol of courage and nobility, reinforces this purpose.
Legacy
As part of van Meckenem's vast body of work, 'Coat of Arms with Lion' contributes to the understanding of 15th-century printmaking practices and the popularity of heraldic motifs in late medieval Northern Europe. However, its individual impact or influence on later artists is not specifically highlighted in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
![Crested Coat of Arms [reverse], by Antwerp 16th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/antwerp-16th-century--crested-coat-of-arms-reverse--635f462b0f763a94-w320.webp)
