Design for a Sword Hilt 1550 - 1560

This intricate engraving, "Design for a Sword Hilt," created by Pierre Woeiriot de Bouzey II between 1550 and 1560, showcases the artist's mastery of decorative design. The circular composition features a highly detailed sword hilt adorned with fantastical creatures, mythological figures, and delicate scrollwork. The hilt, with its elaborate serpent-like handles and a central figure of Medusa, exemplifies the ornate and extravagant style popular in 16th-century European art. This design, intended for a sword hilt, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship applied to even the most functional objects during this period. The drawing’s meticulous detail and intricate ornamentation are hallmarks of the Renaissance era, and its presence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY underscores its significance as a prime example of the period’s design sensibilities.