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Artwork

Brooch with Tablestones and Winged Griffins Above and at Bottom

Daniel Mignot , 1596

Brooch with Tablestones and Winged Griffins Above and at Bottom is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Mignot. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Beneath the central design, two winged, lion‑like figures face each other, their tails coiled in symmetry.

Daniel Mignot’s 1596 engraving titled *Brooch with Tablestones and Winged Griffins Above and at Bottom* presents a detailed, monochrome representation of a decorative jewelry piece. The central motif consists of a floral arrangement rendered with sharp points and swirling lines, framed by four stylized birds with expansive wings and elongated beaks. Beneath the central design, two winged, lion‑like figures face each other, their tails coiled in symmetry.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes natural and mythological elements, a common Renaissance device for conveying both earthly beauty and allegorical power. The floral core may symbolize growth or fertility, while the griffin‑like birds and lion‑like creatures evoke protective guardianship, suggesting the brooch’s function as an emblem of status and protection for its wearer.

Technique & Style

Mignot employed line engraving, a meticulous process in which fine incised lines create tonal variation and texture. The crisp, repetitive hatching conveys the sheen of metalwork, while the intricate detailing of the creatures reflects the ornamental aesthetic popular in late‑sixteenth‑century French decorative arts. The black‑and‑white palette emphasizes the precision of the engraving over color.

History & Provenance

Created in 1596, the print belongs to a period when engravers documented luxurious objects for both artistic study and commercial promotion. Although the original brooch’s whereabouts are unknown, the engraving has survived in several print collections, indicating its circulation among collectors and scholars interested in Renaissance ornamentation.