Artwork
Large Pendant, Winged Fantasy Creature Holding Two Snakes

Large Pendant, Winged Fantasy Creature Holding Two Snakes 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
Large Pendant, Winged Fantasy Creature Holding Two Snakes is a 1596 engraving by Daniel Mignot, depicting a detailed, hybrid creature within a pendant design.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving features a winged, fantasy creature combining avian and reptilian elements (feathers and scales), grasping two snakes. The subject's symbolism is not explicitly documented, but the meticulous rendering of wings and snakes highlights the artist's technical proficiency.
Technique & Style
Executed in engraving, the piece showcases Mignot's attention to detail, evident in the intricate textures of the creature's feathers, scales, and the entwined snakes, characteristic of the precise craftsmanship of late 16th-century printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1596 by Daniel Mignot, specific ownership or exhibition histories prior to its current status are not provided in available sources.
Context
This work reflects the Renaissance interest in mythological and hybrid creatures, often used in decorative arts. Mignot's style can be contextualized within the broader output of 16th-century engravers exploring similar motifs.
Legacy
While not widely recognized as a singular landmark, the engraving contributes to the understanding of Daniel Mignot's oeuvre and the evolution of engraving techniques in late Renaissance Europe.
Artist & collection












