Artwork

Large Pendant, Hope Standing at Centre

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

Large Pendant, Hope 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

Overview

Daniel Mignot’s 1593 engraving titled Large Pendant, Hope Standing at Centre presents a solitary female figure positioned centrally within an elaborately rendered pendant. The composition is dominated by fine linear work that delineates both the figure’s attire and the surrounding ornamental framework, creating a balanced visual focus on the central allegorical presence.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is identified as Hope, an allegorical personification common in late‑sixteenth‑century iconography. She is depicted upright, embodying the virtue’s forward‑looking stance, while the surrounding decorative motifs reinforce the theme of aspiration and stability associated with the concept of hope.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the work showcases Mignot’s command of line incision and cross‑hatching to render texture and depth. The intricate patterns on the garment and the pendant’s surface suggest a meticulous study of metalwork and jewelry design, translating three‑dimensional ornamentation into a two‑dimensional print medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1593, the print is attributed to the French engraver Daniel Mignot, known for his detailed allegorical and ornamental prints. The piece survives in several museum collections, reflecting its circulation among collectors of early modern prints and its inclusion in catalogues of Mignot’s oeuvre.

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.