Fragile Beasts | Exhibitions | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

This exhibition was on display from June 10, 2016 to January 16, 2017.

There were 64 objects in this exhibition but right now we can only show you 63 of them. Some objects may not be viewable because they were on loan; this might be due to issues involving image rights or simply because there is no digitized image for the objects.

See all the exhibitions.

View and print exhibition labels.

Vertical rectangle showing fully decorated sheet with many figures, including two nymphs with birds, a roundel showing the Judgment of Paris and another showing Apollo playing the violin.

Print, Ornament Panel with Orpheus and the Judgment of Paris, ca. 1507
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1946-29-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle fully decorated with symmetrical grotesque. At top, cameo profiles and horses. Below, a small battle frieze and a pair of bound prisoners.

Print, Ornament Panel with Mars, ca. 1507
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1946-29-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

A vertical ornamental motif, bilaterally divided, shows a winged figure, holding trumpets and palm leaves, and supporting a bird cage. Upper level, two seated figures write on tablets that read S.P.Q.R. (The Roman Senate and People) and D.M.A.N. Two bound captives sit beneath a military trophy. In the center of the panel, a winged figure supporting a birdcage holds trumpets and palm leaves, symbols of victory. At the top, two seated Roman senate and people. Two bound captives sit beneath a military trophy and above a small ornamental battle scene.

Print, Ornament Panel with Bird Cage, ca. 1507
engraving on off-white laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1946-29-3

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 5 images of this object.

Upper part of the print depicts the musical contest between Apollo, playingthe lyre and Marsayas playing the bagpipes. In a narrow relief below, the flaying of Marsyas is depicted. Seated on a pedestal at bottom of the print two satyrs play musical pipes.In the relief above them, a satyr plays the pipes to a stag on the right, while Apollo chases Daphne on the left. Image is heavily ornamented with figures.

Print, Ornament Panel Inscribed "Victoria Augusta", ca. 1507
engraving on off white laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1946-29-4

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Drawing, Design for Candelabrum and Panel of Grotesques, early 16th century
pen and brown ink on paper, lined.
Museum purchase through gift of Walter Leo Hildburgh.
1956-41-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle showing a symmetrical grotesque composition of arabesques, satyrs, lions and birds. At bottom, a mask. At top, a circular architectural structure.

Print, Grotesque Ornament with Satyrs, from a set of twenty ornament panels,...
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1946-3-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Print, Grotesque Panel with Dolphins

Print, Grotesque Panel with Dolphins
engraving on laid paper.
1949-29-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle showing a symmetrical grotesque design composed of putti, dolphins, sea lions, birds and bearded men.

Print, Grotesque with Dolphins and Winged Lions, 1532
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John I. Kane.
1944-82-1-a

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

At center a mask with sinister expression. Below it, arms (sword, spear, etc) around helmet in basin that is decorated with two animal masks. Above, vase with fruit and plants. All bordered by putti above holding vines with fruit and leaves, griffins with female head at center, and biomorphic figures at bottom.

Print, Ornament with Mask and Grotesque Figures, 1550
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1945-59-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle showing a dense grotesque scene with figures with fantastic anthropomorphic figures, flora and fauna.

Print, Ornamental Design, ca. 1550
engraving on paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1944-76-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Print, Plate, from a series of designs for ewers and vessels

Print, Plate, from a series of designs for ewers and vessels
engraving on white laid paper.
1946-3-3

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Print, Ewer with Handle

Print, Ewer with Handle
engraving on white laid paper.
1946-3-4

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

A whale, on the lip of the pitcher, is about to swallow Jonah. On the body is a scene with sea monsters and sea gods, one of whom is carrying away a woman.

Print, Plate from Insignae ac plane novum opus crater graphicum (A New...
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. A. Murray Young.
1946-37-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle. An ewer, whose handle is composed of an animal foot joining a grotesque head with twisted neck holding a dish in its mouth. On the body, two figures pay homage to a herm. Inscribed below: "ROMAE AB ANTIQVO REPERTVM MD XXXXIII" and "A.E.V." on a tablet.

Print, Vase (Plate 12 of a Series), 1543
black ink on paper.
Museum purchase through gift of E.F. Caldwell & Co..
1963-9-251

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle. Ewer, with a panther standing on its hind legs forming the handle. Rinceaux, an ox skull, lions' heads and garlands ornament the body. Inscribed below: "ROMAE AB ANTIQVO REPERTVM MD XXXXIII" and "A.E.V." on a tablet.

Print, Vase (Plate 6 of a Series), 1543
black ink on paper.
Museum purchase through gift of E.F. Caldwell & Co..
1963-9-245

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle. Ewer, with snakes entwining a nude man as handles and neck. He blows a conch shell, with a plate being held by a child beside it. The body is decorated with rinceaux and terms. Inscribed below: "ROMAE AB ANTIQVO REPERTVM MD XXXXIII" and "A.E.V." on a tablet.

Print, Vase (Plate 5 of a Series), 1543
black ink on paper.
Museum purchase through gift of E.F. Caldwell & Co..
1963-9-244

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Horizontal rectangles showing a strapwork design. At center, a scene of Hercules rescuing his wife Deianira from the Centaur Nessus is flanked by term figures hold a garland of fruit. Above, a pair of fantastic animals.

Print, Strapwork Grotesque with Scene from Ovid, 1566
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John I. Kane.
1944-83-6-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Horizontal rectangles showing a strapwork design. At center, a scene of Juno talking to Jupiter. Ignudi and masks flank the scene. At bottom, a cartouche with the inscription “H.COCK EX / 1566”.

Print, Strapwork Grotesque with Mythological Scene, 1566
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John I. Kane.
1944-83-6-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing strapwork design. At center, Prometheus on Mount Caucasus. Above, a pair of satyrs holding clusters of fruit. Below, putti with masks and an owl.

Print, Strapwork Grotesque with Mythological Scene, 1566
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John I. Kane.
1944-83-7-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing strapwork design. At center, Perseus rescuing Andromeda. Above, pairs of snakes and swans flank a nude. Below, fish and lions.

Print, Strapwork Grotesque with Mythological Scene, 1566
engraving on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John I. Kane.
1944-83-7-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Drawing, Design for a Ewer, 1620–1627
black and white chalk on brown paper.
Gift of Ogden Codman.
1916-9-3

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

At top, the title "Ornament o Grottesche / di Stef. Della Bella." These words appear in the top of three circles formed by long leaves that sprout from the bodies of creatures at the bottom of the etching. Two eagles with spread wings perch in the other two circles.

Print, Plate, from the series Ornamenti o grottesche (Ornaments or...
etching on off-white laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-151-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

A child holds a leopard kitten and nuzzles his face into its back. Directly behind the child lies a leopard, which turns its head toward the child and extends its tongue. In the background are large acanthus leaves and swirling arabesques.

Print, Plate, from the series Ornamenti o grottesche (Ornaments or...
etching on off-white laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-151-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing a symmetrical grotesque design composed of camels, acanthus leaves and fruit.

Print, Plate, from Ornamenti o Grottesche (Ornaments or Grotesques), ca. 1653
etching on off-white laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-152-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle showing putti with acanthus tails blowing bubbles, a bat and a swag.

Print, Ornamenti o Grottesche (Grotesque Ornament), ca. 1653
etching on off-white laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-152-2

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Vertical rectangle showing a symmetrical design composed of horse heads terminating in acanthus leaves, a shield with a small mask at top, a military trophy in the antique style.

Print, Ornamenti o Grottesche (Grotesque Ornament), ca. 1653
etching on paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-152-3

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing a woman offering a lamb to a hound emerging from an acanthus leaf above her head. At her feet, another hound.

Print, Ornamenti o Grottesche (Grotesque Ornament), ca. 1653
etching on laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-153-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing a symmetrical design on the theme of the hunt. Two board’s heads hang from a vertical spear. Below, a hunting horn and two stag heads.

Print, Ornamenti o Grottesche (Grotesque Ornament), ca. 1653
etching on laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-153-3

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Vertical rectangle showing an emaciated winged figure playing a drum. Below, an owl with a bell in its beak perches on an arabesque.

Print, Ornamenti o Grottesche (Grotesque Ornament), ca. 1653
etching on laid paper.
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
1921-6-153-4

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Grotesque ornament with masks, putti and fantastic anaimals. In the center, a plaque displays the Medici arms. Below, the word: SEMPER.

Drawing, Design for Stained Glass in the Laurentian Library, Florence, Italy,...
brush and brown wash, black chalk on laid paper, squared in black chalk.
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.
1938-88-7321

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Scrollwork frames a mask and clusters of flowers protrude from the sides at top. Below, two masks (a lion on the left and a man on the right) are presented above grapes and flowers.

Print, Plate from 12 Stick Zum Verzaighnen Stechen Ver Fertigt (Set of...
punch engraving, pen and black ink, graphite on off-white laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1942-36-11

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

A scrollwork frieze with a cherub in the center above. Female and male masks and palmette in lower section.

Print, Plate from 12 Stick Zum Verzaighnen Stechen Ver Fertigt (Set of...
punch engraving, pen and black ink, graphite on cream laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1942-36-15

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

Scrollwork frieze with a head with a feather headgear in the center. A mustached mask with feather gear, a cherub mask, and a bunch of fruit below.

Print, Plate from 12 Stick Zum Verzaighnen Stechen Ver Fertigt (Set of...
punch engraving, pen and black ink, graphite on cream laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1942-36-17

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.

A scrollwork frieze surrounds a fantastic animal mask ornamented with feathered headgear. Below a cluster of fruits and scrollwork, a seed flower hangs flanked by two additional masks.

Print, Plate from 12 Stick Zum Verzaighnen Stechen Ver Fertigt (Set of...
punch engraving, pen and black ink, graphite on off-white laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1942-36-19

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Octagonal print of title page showing vegetal cartouche containing title, with insects and fantastic creature wearing a hat.

Print, Title plate, from Die Folge der phantastichen Scmucksträße (Suite of...
etching on laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1942-36-28-1

This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
There are 3 images of this object.