Wapenschild met vleugels, vastgehouden door een boer c. 1470 - 1491

Martin Schongauer created this 'Coat of Arms with Wings, Held by a Peasant' in the late fifteenth century using the intaglio process of engraving. By incising lines into a copper plate, Schongauer would have been able to create multiple images with the help of an inked printing press. This print depicts a thoughtful peasant resting against a coat of arms. The fine, detailed lines define the texture of his clothes, hat, and the feathery wings on the shield. The choice of engraving is significant because it allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible. Schongauer's skill in this technique enabled him to distribute his designs widely. The contrast between the heraldic emblem, usually associated with nobility, and the peasant figure is quite thought-provoking, perhaps commenting on the changing social structures of the time. So, when we look at this print, we are not just seeing an image, but a social commentary made possible through the democratic medium of printmaking.