Foliage Scrolls with a Flower, Wild Men and Women, and Insects

Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1440/45-1503), engraving, c. 1490-1500

Medieval stories abound with tales of wild men and women – mythical woodland dwellers – who indulge in excessive sexual activity. The highly imaginative flower in the middle of the representation illustrates the pleasure to which humans and animals aspire. Men and women help one another to achieve it, while others fight each other for it.

  • Artwork typeprint, ornamentprent
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-1145
  • Dimensionsheight 208 mm x width 139 mm
  • Physical characteristicsgravure