Artwork

Hyacinth-Shaped Brooch with Winged Animals at Top and Crouching Swans at Bottom

Hyacinth-Shaped Brooch with Winged Animals at Top and Crouching Swans 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

Hyacinth-Shaped Brooch with Winged Animals at Top and Crouching Swans at Bottom is a 1596 engraving by Daniel Mignot, depicting an elaborate brooch design.

Subject & Meaning

The brooch design features a central hyacinth-shaped flower with swirling leaves and buds, symbolically surrounded by four animals: two griffins (top) and two crouching swans (bottom), which may represent protection, vigilance, and serenity.

Technique & Style

Mignot employed sharp lines and nuanced shading to convey the textured appearance of metal, achieving intricate detail characteristic of Renaissance engraving.

History & Provenance

Created in 1596 by Daniel Mignot, the engraving's historical context and ownership history are not detailed in available information.

Context

This work reflects the ornate, mythologically influenced jewelry designs prevalent during the late Renaissance, where symbolic creatures were commonly used in decorative arts.

Legacy

As a detailed engraving of a specific design, its legacy lies in documenting Renaissance jewelry aesthetics rather than being a widely recognized standalone artistic work.