Coat of Arms with a Cock 1543

Sebald Beham's 1543 engraving, "Coat of Arms with a Cock," is a detailed depiction of a heraldic emblem. The central shield displays a rooster within a decorative frame, with a second rooster perched atop a helmet and crown. The inscription, "Ein Wappen zu einem Sigel" (A Coat of Arms for a Seal), suggests the artwork's intended purpose for use in official documents. Beham, a prominent figure in the German Renaissance, was known for his mastery of printmaking, evident in the fine detail and intricate design of this piece. The composition's emphasis on heraldic symbols and the use of intricate decorative elements is characteristic of the artist's work, which often explored themes of power, identity, and social status.