The Falconer and the Lady, from "Scenes of Daily Life"
This depiction of courtly love is the most refined within Israhel's series of engravings devoted to amorous relationships, from the chivalrous to the lascivious, among different classes. In fifteenth-century imagery the noble pastime of falconry was traditionally associated with love. Here a falcon perches on the gloved hand of an elegantly dressed suitor. As his beloved demurely gazes down, she throws a furtive glance in his direction. From her headdress a cloth unfurls, echoing the banderoles that flutter above the couple. Such airborne ribbons often displayed a dialogue between the figures: here they may have been left blank so that collectors might inscribe their own.
Israhel a practicing goldsmith, was also one of the most prolific and innovative fifteen-century masters of the related art of engraving. While a large part of his oeuvre consists of copies after other printmakers, many of his later works, like the series Scenes of Daily Life, were unique and witty turns on traditional subjects.
Israhel a practicing goldsmith, was also one of the most prolific and innovative fifteen-century masters of the related art of engraving. While a large part of his oeuvre consists of copies after other printmakers, many of his later works, like the series Scenes of Daily Life, were unique and witty turns on traditional subjects.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Falconer and the Lady, from "Scenes of Daily Life"
- Series/Portfolio: Scenes of Daily Life
- Artist: Israhel van Meckenem (German, Meckenem ca. 1440/45–1503 Bocholt)
- Date: ca. 1495
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: sheet: 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.8 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and Howard Fox and Martha Feltenstein Gifts, and The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 2003
- Object Number: 2003.137
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Israhel van Meckenem
Hans Holbein the Elder
ca. 1500
Israhel van Meckenem
Martin Schongauer
ca. 1490–1503
Israhel van Meckenem
Israhel van Meckenem
Israhel van Meckenem
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.