Who painted Family of Pigs?

Family of Pigs was painted by Martin Schongauer in 1485.

Where can I see Family of Pigs?

Family of Pigs is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Family of Pigs?

Family of Pigs is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Family of Pigs

Martin Schongauer , 1485

Family of Pigs is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Family of Pigs, an engraving from circa 1485, exemplifies Martin Schongauer's skill as a leading Alsatian printmaker and painter of his time.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays a serene domestic scene focusing on a sow and her piglets in a natural setting, emphasizing everyday life with understated simplicity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by fine detail, the work showcases Schongauer's renowned engraving technique, where designs are intricately cut into metal plates for reproduction.

History & Provenance

Part of Schongauer's extensive corpus of 116 engravings, all marked by his monogram, this piece was later admired and collected by Albrecht Dürer.

Context

Created in either Colmar or Breisach, the engraving reflects Schongauer's preeminence as the foremost engraver north of the Alps prior to Dürer's rise.

Legacy

While Schongauer's influence on subsequent artists like Dürer is notable, the specific legacy of *Family of Pigs* lies in its representation of mundane life through a masterful, detailed engraving technique.