Shield with a Swan, Held by a Seated Lady n.d.

Martin Schongauer created this copper engraving, "Shield with a Swan, Held by a Seated Lady," in the late 15th century. Reflect on the era, where women were frequently allegorical figures representing virtues or familial identity. Schongauer, as a prominent printmaker of his time, skillfully navigates the representation of gender and heraldry in this intimate piece. Note how the lady is seated, yet holds the shield bearing a swan, a symbol often associated with grace and purity, and the coat of arms for nobility. Consider how this engraving challenges or reinforces contemporary notions of femininity and power. The woman's gentle demeanor contrasts with the shield’s representation of lineage, creating a tension between the personal and the patriarchal structures of the time. Schongauer’s work invites us to consider the complex interplay between identity, symbolism, and the societal roles ascribed to women.