Symbols of the Four Evangelists c. 1470 - 1491

This print of the winged lion, a symbol of the Evangelist Saint Mark, was made by Martin Schongauer sometime before his death in 1491. It's an engraving, meaning that Schongauer would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a copper plate. Ink would then be applied to the plate and then wiped off the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. Finally, paper was pressed onto the plate, transferring the image. The quality of this print resides in the intricate cross-hatching which gives the lion its three-dimensionality. Look closely, and you'll notice the incredible detail in the animal’s fur and feathers, and in the way Schongauer has described the fall of light. Prints like this were luxury items at the time, prized for their artistry and the skill involved in their making. Schongauer was among the first artists to sign his prints, evidence of the rising status of individual makers at this time, who transitioned from anonymous artisans to celebrated artists.