Artwork
Large Pendant with Star at Centre
Large Pendant with Star at Centre is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Mignot. It dates from 1584 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Daniel Mignot’s 1584 engraving, titled Large Pendant with Star at Centre, presents a richly ornamented chandelier. The central element is a prominent star, radiating numerous smaller lights and decorative rays that suggest a sunburst motif. Surrounding the star are curved cords, miniature boxes with handles, and pear‑shaped bulbs, all rendered in fine linear detail.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates a ceremonial lighting fixture, likely intended for a grand interior space. The star’s radiance and the surrounding ornamental elements convey themes of illumination and splendor, reflecting Renaissance interests in celestial symbolism and the display of wealth through elaborate metalwork.
Technique & Style
Mignot employed the engraving process, incising lines into a metal plate to produce a print. The work relies on varied line density to suggest shadow, texture, and the reflective quality of metal. Such precise linear rendering aligns with the decorative print tradition of the late sixteenth century, where designs for architectural elements were disseminated through printed plates.
History & Provenance
Created in 1584, the engraving is attributed to French printmaker Daniel Mignot, known for his architectural and ornamental designs. The piece survives in several museum collections, indicating its role as a reference for craftsmen and designers of the period, though its original purpose—whether a design proposal or a decorative illustration—remains undocumented.
Artist & collection
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