Martin SchongauerGerman, 1440–1491The Griffin
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Griffin” now? Collection: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Cleveland, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
According to medieval bestiaries (books of beasts), the griffin is an imaginary and immensely dangerous creature, believed to carry off humans and oxen. Usually depicted with the body of a lion and the head, wings, and claws of an eagle, the griffin symbolizes both courage and vigilance. Its dual nature also signifies that of Christ himself: divine (bird) and human (animal). Martin Schongauer's griffin is an unusual combination of an eagle and an ox—see the back hoofed paws—departing from the traditional representation of this animal as part eagle and part lion. With a few bold strokes of the burin, Schongauer rendered in a naturalistic way the shape and texture of the feathers and fur of this fabled beast.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 1926.466
In the catalog
Sources
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Image: The Cleveland Museum of Art — Museum open access
In the life of Martin Schongauer
The whole lifec. 1471 – 1491
Twenty years at the head of German engraving
He dominates German engraving for about twenty years: his 116 engravings are known in Germany and Italy, reach England and Spain, and in Italy their maker is nicknamed “Beautiful Martin”; according to Vasari, Michelangelo copied his Temptation of St Anthony.
1488–1490
Hans Burgkmair the Elder in his workshop
Among his pupils is Hans Burgkmair the Elder, the Augsburg painter and designer of woodcuts, who works with him from 1488 to 1490.
June 1489
Recorded as a citizen of Breisach
Records of June 1489 name him a citizen of Breisach, where he is at work on the cathedral murals.
2 February 1491
Died
