Jewelry Design with a Lion's Head 1619

This 1619 engraving by Jean Toutin depicts a detailed design for a piece of jewelry featuring a lion's head. The intricate design includes a round, ornately decorated plaque framed by a lion's head with its wings outstretched. Below, two figures examine the design, highlighting the practical use of this artwork as a guide for jewelers. The detailed rendering and precise linework exemplify the meticulous craftsmanship of the Renaissance period, and the engraving itself is a testament to the growing popularity of printed design manuals for artisans during this time.