Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon

c. 1480/1490

Martin Schongauer

Associated Names
Martin Schongauer

Artist, German, c. 1450 - 1491

This is a drawing depicting an angelic figure standing triumphantly over a defeated beast. The central figure is a winged angel wearing long robes and a detailed cloak. The angel is holding a staff or spear, pressed down onto the beast below. The beast has chaotic dragon-like features with claws, a serpentine tail, and a contorted face. The artist used intricate line work to depict texture and detail in the clothing, feathers, and hair. The scene conveys a dramatic struggle and victory, rendered in precise black-and-white lines reminiscent of engravings from the Northern Renaissance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of W.G. Russell Allen

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within platemark): 16.2 × 11.4 cm (6 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1941.1.56

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 63, State only

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1964

  • Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century German Prints from the National Gallery of Art Collection, Washington, D.C., 1964-1965, no cat.

1967

  • Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century German Prints from the National Gallery of Art Collection, Washington, D.C., 1967, no cat.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Watermarks

to be identified

Wikidata ID

Q64960190

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