Dimensions: Mat: 19 3/16 x 14 3/16 in. (48.8 x 36.1 cm) Sheet: 11 3/16 x 4 7/16 in. (28.4 x 11.3 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
Martin Schongauer created this engraving of a crozier, a ceremonial staff for a bishop, in the late fifteenth century. Its fine lines and detailed ornamentation are immediately striking. The symmetrical structure, with its circular top and vertical shaft, presents a complex interplay of form and function. The circular head of the crozier encloses the Virgin and Child, framed by delicate Gothic architecture. This intimate scene contrasts with the intricate, almost abstract, patterns adorning the staff, which seems to emphasize the symbolic and ornamental aspects of religious authority. The design embraces a visual tension between representation and abstraction, challenging the viewer to consider the intersection of faith, power, and artistry. This tension invites ongoing interpretation, reflecting the complex interplay between the sacred and the secular.
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