Lady on Horseback and Lansquenet

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Lady on Horseback and Lansquenet

Artist Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528)

Dateabout 1496

Dimensionsimage: 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. (10.8 x 8.3 cm)

MediumEngraving

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1943.28

Not on View

Label TextWhen he was a young man, Dürer often explored the themes of love and the brevity of life. This print, however, is free of the moralizing commentary about the transience of life and youth: there is no figure of the devil or death in this scene. Indeed, Dürer seems to be suggesting earthly delights. Aspects of the figures—the feather, denoting the maiden’s unmarried status, the comely gaze, intimate touch, and the uninhibited stance of the young man—suggest an amorous relationship. Although this is a very good impression, it was probably not printed in the 15th century. In his early plates, Dürer used a deeply engraved system of curved and swelling lines to give his figures solidity. These deeply engraved plates were able to produce good impressions for a surprisingly long time.Published ReferencesBartsch 82 Hollstein 84 Meder 84Exhibition HistoryThe Passion and the Apocalypse: Albrecht Dürer's Renaissance, Oct 1,04 - Jan 2,05 TMA Durer Prints: Sept. 17 -Oct. 30, 1983. TMA, Storytelling in Miniature, October 7, 2011-March 4, 2012.