Head of a Bishop's crozier with the Virgin and Child
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 | Head of a Bishop's crozier with the Virgin and Child (popular title) |
Materials and techniques | engraving on laid paper |
Brief description | Engraving of a Bishop's crozier |
Physical description | This part of the engraving depicts the top portion of a bishop's crozier. The curl of the crozier is decorated with seven crockets. Four tiny male figures climb through the tracery on top. At the centre of the crozier are the crowned Madonna, seated on a throne between two angels playing a lute and an organ. The Madonna holds the naked Child who is standing and blessing. A blank shield rests on the bottom of the circle, ready to receive the bishop's coat of arms. |
Dimensions |
|
Styles | |
Historical context | 'Lehrs was also convinced that the 'Crozier' offered evidence that Schongauer had actually been trained as a goldsmith to some extent in his father's workshop....It is certainly true that a goldsmith must work from a drawing and that this print would offer the possibility of multiple copies |
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. |
Bibliographic reference | Lambert, Susan (ed.) Pattern & Design: Designs for the Decorative Arts 1480-1980 London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1983 |
Collection | |
Accession number | 14401A |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | April 10, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSON