Shaft of a Bishop's crozier
Print
ca 1470 (engraved)
ca 1470 (engraved)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This engraving depicts the top portion of a bishop's crozier - the ceremonial staff based on a shepherd's crook that is carried in procession by bishops and archbishops.
Martin Schongauer, son of a goldsmith, was among the first European artists to explore the full expressive potential of printmaking. Schongauer's novel use of the technique of engraving, developed from the goldsmith's long-established practice of decorating metal with engraved patterns, was recognized almost immediately and his prints were highly esteemed in his own lifetime. In this print Schongauer has shown a clear understanding for the artisan's creation and his knowledge of the best of the goldsmiths' craft.
Martin Schongauer, son of a goldsmith, was among the first European artists to explore the full expressive potential of printmaking. Schongauer's novel use of the technique of engraving, developed from the goldsmith's long-established practice of decorating metal with engraved patterns, was recognized almost immediately and his prints were highly esteemed in his own lifetime. In this print Schongauer has shown a clear understanding for the artisan's creation and his knowledge of the best of the goldsmiths' craft.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Shaft of a Bishop's crozier (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Engraving on laid paper |
| Brief description | Engraving of a Bishop's crozier |
| Physical description | The lower part of the engraving depicts a polygonal shaft of the crozier rising through an architectural section fitted with niches with small figures beneath Gothic arches with finials, showing St Margaret, a king with a sceptre and orb and St Barbara, standing on consoles. |
| Dimensions |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This engraving depicts the top portion of a bishop's crozier - the ceremonial staff based on a shepherd's crook that is carried in procession by bishops and archbishops. Martin Schongauer, son of a goldsmith, was among the first European artists to explore the full expressive potential of printmaking. Schongauer's novel use of the technique of engraving, developed from the goldsmith's long-established practice of decorating metal with engraved patterns, was recognized almost immediately and his prints were highly esteemed in his own lifetime. In this print Schongauer has shown a clear understanding for the artisan's creation and his knowledge of the best of the goldsmiths' craft. |
| Associated object | 14001A (Part) |
| Bibliographic reference | Lambert, Susan (ed.) Pattern & Design: Designs for the Decorative Arts 1480-1980 London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1983 |
| Other numbers |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 14401B |
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| Record created | April 10, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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