Portraying the legendary figure of a griffin, with the body, tail, back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, this marble relief represents the coat of arms of one of the most influential dyanasties of the Florentine renaissance: the Martelli family.
The Martelli family settled in Florence in the 14th century, on the street that was later named after them, via de’ Martelli. The family accumulated wealth and political influence, and had a close friendship with another prominent family, the Medici.

In particular, Niccolò Martelli played a significant role as a patron in Renaissance Florence, notably sup- porting Donatello, for whom he commissioned a remarkable family crest (now exhibited at the Bargello Museum), and possibly the Martelli family sarcophagus in San Lorenzo.

The present marble relief draws inspiration from the Martelli family crest crafted by Donatello, echoing its form and the posture of the mythical creature. The varying depths of the relief’s surface, along with the intricate detailing of its wings and feathers, portray the griffin with striking prominence, serving as a potent symbol of this influential family that played a pivotal role in shaping the illustrious Renaissance of Florence.