Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle with Putto-Head and Lion's-Head Masks
Handle design divided horizontally into two sections. At top, a winged putto head at center under a canopy and flanked by two squirrels facing inwards. Below, a lion's head flanked by grotesque scrolling tendrils that terminate is grotesque bird's heads. Above, a pair of snails.
Credit: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
1592-93
Engraving and blackwork
7.2 x 2.9cm
62.598.156
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection