The Pelican in her Piety c. 1470 - 1490

Andrea Mantegna created "The Pelican in her Piety" using engraving in the 15th century. The image presents a pelican mother feeding her young, all enclosed within an elaborate, decorative border. The composition is striking. The pelican's outstretched wings create a semi-circle, drawing our eyes to the chicks nestled below. Mantegna’s precise lines and attention to detail are remarkable for the medium, lending the scene a sense of depth and texture. The pelican is a symbol of sacrifice and redemption. The formal structure of the print—the central placement of the pelican and the circular embrace of her wings—emphasizes this symbolic weight. This visual arrangement is not merely aesthetic. It reflects broader philosophical concerns about selflessness, and the giving of life, themes that resonate with Christian beliefs. The print invites us to explore the intersections between form and meaning. How the visual structure reinforces the cultural significance of the pelican, prompting ongoing interpretations of sacrifice and devotion.