Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle with Putto-Head and Lion's-Head Masks 1592 - 1593

Theodor de Bry's "Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle with Putto-Head and Lion's-Head Masks" is a detailed engraving from 1592–1593. The design showcases a complex decorative style, typical of the late Renaissance, with a combination of classical and fantastical elements. The handle features a central putto-head surrounded by scrolling foliage, while the bottom portion is adorned with lion's-head masks amidst more intricate ornamentation. The meticulous detail and use of shading in this small-scale work highlight de Bry's masterful command of the engraving technique, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of design and craftsmanship in 16th-century Europe.