Knight, Death and the Devil (B. 98; M., Holl. 74; S.M.S. 69), 1513
Engraving, Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471–1528
Considered one of
the foremost artists of the Renaissance period, Albrecht Dürer’s extensive work
in printmaking transformed the categorization of the medium from craft to fine
art. Often depicting religious subjects, Dürer’s woodcuts and engravings demonstrated
unprecedented technical skill, tonal variation, and compositional
sophistication. Dürer theorized extensively on linear perspective and
anatomical proportion, concerns that were articulated in a vast body of written
work as well as in his paintings and prints. Dürer’s skill earned him the role
of court artist for Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I and Charles V, under whom
he created a number of paintings and altarpieces. Dürer’s series of
self-portraits, created throughout his career, represent some of his most
iconic works.
Other works by Albrecht Dürer
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/11100/knight-death-and-the-devil
ABOUT THIS ARTWORK
Albrecht Dürer’s masterful engraving encourages the viewer to reflect on the inevitability of their mortality. Lurking behind the knight on his muscular warhorse, the skeletal, deteriorating figure of Death sits astride his aging steed and demonstrates the running hourglass of Time. The juxtaposition of the knight and Death suggests the knight’s impending demise. Despite this Christian soldier’s battle-ready appearance, no amount of armor can protect him (and, by proxy, the rest of humanity) from death, though he shows no outward signs of fear or of temptation by the devil, who follows closely behind
Date:
1513
Artist:
Albrecht Dürer
German, 1471-1528
German, 1471-1528
ABOUT THIS ARTWORK
Albrecht Dürer’s masterful engraving encourages the viewer to reflect on the inevitability of their mortality. Lurking behind the knight on his muscular warhorse, the skeletal, deteriorating figure of Death sits astride his aging steed and demonstrates the running hourglass of Time. The juxtaposition of the knight and Death suggests the knight’s impending demise. Despite this Christian soldier’s battle-ready appearance, no amount of armor can protect him (and, by proxy, the rest of humanity) from death, though he shows no outward signs of fear or of temptation by the devil, who follows closely behind.Currently Off View
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