Ornament Panel: Two Sphinxes Supporting Shields

c. 1505/1515

Giovanni Pietro Birago and Zoan Andrea

Associated Names
Andrea Zoan

Artist, Italian, active c.1475/1519

Giovanni Pietro Birago

Artist, Italian, active 1471 - 1513 or after

The image is an elongated, vertically oriented decorative panel with intricate scrollwork, floral motifs, and mythological figures. The upper section features symmetrical patterns resembling an ornate vase with floral elements. The central section displays a detailed botanical-inspired arrangement of leaves and flowers. The lower section shows two winged mythological creatures with human faces and bird features facing each other, with two cherubic figures above them holding onto an oval frame or medallion surrounded by floral designs. The overall style of the piece is classical and baroque.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 54.4 x 8.9 cm (21 7/16 x 3 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1958.8.112

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hind 'Engravings', Vol. 5, p.81, no. 10, State (11)

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1938

  • Hind, Arthur M. Early Italian Engraving; a critical catalogue with complete reproductions of all the prints described. 7 vols. London: Bernard Quaritch Ltd., 1938-1948.

1973

  • Levenson et al. 1973, no.112.

Wikidata ID

Q65226826

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