Description:Having been preoccupied with artistic, woodcut renderings of perspective and foreshortening, Albrecht Dürer (1471 – 1528) engulfs our subjects in grand, architectural elements. The effect of depth perception can be seen further with the many layers of arches and circular tympanums along the ceiling (one of which features Judith holding the head of Holofernes; see below) .
Created in c. 1503, this stunning woodcut features Albrecht Dürer’s (1471 – 1528) signature monogram on a slate in the lower right of the image (a further example of Dürer’s success with the effects of foreshortening) . This work has also been dated to c. 1580 by the rare watermark within the fine, laid paper on which this woodcut has been printed. The Fish Bladder watermark can be found in Meder 309.
According to W. Strauss (1980) , “As told in Scripture, the Archangel Gabriel brings the glad tidings to the Virgin. The dove, representing the Holy Spirit, illuminates her face, while God the Father hovers in the distant clouds. The lilies in the vase symbolize purity, whereas Judith with the head of Hologernes, in the tympanum, calls to mind Mary’s victory over the devil. The evil one, with the head of a badger, can be discerned underneath the stairs, chained to the wall on the far left. The badger stands for sloth and laziness, which is ‘the mother of all sin’” (p. 259) .
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work) :
1. Kurth, W. Dr. (1946) . The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 181 and detailed on pg. 26.
2. Meder, J. (1932) . Dürer-Katalog. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 195 on pg. 172.
3. Pawlak, M. Albrecht Dürer: 1471 bis 1528, Das gesamte Graphische Werk, Druckgraphik, Band II. Listed and illustrated as plate no. 1564.
4. Scheller, R. W. and Boon, K. G. (1971) . The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer, Hans Dürer and the Dürer School. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 195 on page 157.
5. Schoch, R. (2002) . Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk, Band II Holzschnitte und Holzschnittfolgen. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 173 on pg. 243.
6. Strauss, W. L. (1980) . Albrecht Dürer, Woodcuts and Wood Blocks. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 74 on pgs. 259-61.
About the Framing:
This work has received full archival treatment in its framing to insure the quality and longevity of the piece. It is encased in a Spanish-style black and gold frame with gilded detail inspired by floral motifs. Set in a closed-corner frame with matching gold inner fillet with white, linen-wrapped mats behind a Plexiglas® cover. Also features custom-made artist’s plaque below the inner fillet, mounted on the mat: ‘Albrecht Dürer | 1471 – 1528.’
