Study for a Stained Glass Window with the Coat of Arms of the Barons von Paar (recto); Study for a Sceptre with the Initials MB (verso)

The inscription that wraps around this design for a stained-glass window identifies the arms as those of Marcus Belidorus de Casnio, an ancestor of the noble von Paar family. A bare-breasted woman supports the bottom of the family's coat of arms, which is tied to a leafless tree. From its branches hang other elements of their emblems. The crowned bull on the left carries the initials MB on the end of a sword. The motto hanging from the tree reads Stemmata virtuti et munificentie ad avcta. Herov[m] propria (The family trees of heroes grow greater through virtue and munificence), suggesting the continuation of the glory of de Casnio's descendants. A small turreted palace beside a lake in the background displays a specifically Northern European style.

To give this scene depth and volume, Georg Pencz combined delicate line drawing with carefully applied washes.

Digital image and text courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program.