"This engraving, designed and engraved by Pierre Woëriot, shows a handle and a guard for a sword. The design is inspired by the grotesque, with imaginary creatures bending into the swordhilt.
Ornament designs like this were copied by artisans and craftsmen. The theme of the grotesque was a popular one around this period. Grotesque derives from the Italian word grottesco. The style was inspired by ancient Roman designs discovered at the end of the 15th century in the underground rooms, or grottoes, of the Golden House of Emperor Nero in Rome. Grotesque ornament was used to decorate a wide range of objects, such as ceramics, and the style was much copied by Renaissance artists."