Artwork

Large Pendant, Charity Standing at Centre

Large Pendant, Charity Standing at Centre, by Daniel Mignot, ink, 1593
Large Pendant, Charity Standing at Centre, by Daniel Mignot, ink, 1593

Large Pendant, Charity Standing at Centre is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Mignot. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This painting shows a large pendant with Charity standing at its center.
The image is detailed and intricate, which suggests the artist put a lot of effort into it. The fact that it's an engraving from 1593 is interesting because it shows the artist's skill with this technique.
You can learn more about this technique by looking into the work of artist: Mignot, Daniel.

Overview

Daniel Mignot’s 1593 engraving, titled Large Pendant, Charity Standing at Centre, presents a complex composition centered on the allegorical figure of Charity. Executed as a print, the work showcases the meticulous line work characteristic of late‑Renaissance engraving, inviting close examination of its dense decorative elements.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure embodies the virtue of Charity, traditionally depicted as a nurturing woman. By positioning her at the heart of the pendant, Mignot emphasizes the moral focal point of the piece, aligning the visual hierarchy with contemporary iconographic conventions that linked charitable acts to societal harmony.

Technique & Style

Mignot employs fine hatching and cross‑hatching to render texture and depth, a hallmark of early modern engraving. The intricate detailing of surrounding motifs demonstrates his command of the burin, allowing subtle tonal variations despite the monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1593, the print reflects the flourishing of printmaking in France during the late sixteenth century. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to Mignot, a noted engraver whose oeuvre contributed to the dissemination of moral and religious imagery across European collections.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Daniel Mignot

Artist

Daniel Mignot

Daniel Mignot (1596–1596) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.