Artwork

Large Pendant, Lower Left and Right Two Bunches of Grass, Flowers, and Fruit

Large Pendant, Lower Left and Right Two Bunches of Grass, Flowers, and Fruit 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

Daniel Mignot’s 1596 engraving, titled Large Pendant, Lower Left and Right Two Bunches of Grass, Flowers, and Fruit, presents a decorative composition centered on an elaborate chandelier. The chandelier’s swirling metal arms support three suspended light fixtures, while the lower corners are filled with paired arrangements of foliage, blossoms, and fruit.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes architectural ornamentation with natural motifs, reflecting a Renaissance interest in harmonizing the built environment with the bounty of nature. The paired botanical clusters may symbolize abundance and balance, framing the chandelier as a focal point of illumination and order.

Technique & Style

Executed through engraving, Mignot incised fine lines into a metal plate, allowing for precise outlines and delicate cross‑hatching that creates subtle tonal gradations. This method yields crisp edges and controlled shadows, emphasizing the intricate metalwork of the chandelier and the texture of the plant elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1596, the print is attributed to French engraver Daniel Mignot, known for his detailed ornamental designs. No specific ownership record accompanies the piece, but its survival in print form suggests it circulated among collectors of decorative prints in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.