Artwork

Landscape with the Cannon

Landscape with the Cannon, by Albrecht Dürer, 1518
Landscape with the Cannon, by Albrecht Dürer, 1518

Landscape with the Cannon is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1518 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with the Cannon, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1518, is a landscape painting now in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art. Notably, Dürer was primarily renowned for his engravings and prints, making this work an example of his painterly output.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene landscape with a group of men in traditional attire in the foreground, one of whom holds a large cannon. The juxtaposition of everyday figures with a weapon of war in a peaceful setting may suggest themes of vigilance or the intersection of daily life and military presence.

Technique & Style

Dürer's use of light and shadow imbues the scene with depth and atmosphere. The varied poses of the men introduce a sense of dynamism, characteristic of Renaissance humanist emphasis on movement and naturalism.

History & Provenance

Originally attributed to Dürer's broader European influences and his patronage under Emperor Maximilian I, the painting's specific history prior to its current location in The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

While Dürer is best known for his innovative engravings, *Landscape with the Cannon* reflects his engagement with painting, a medium through which he explored Renaissance ideals alongside his contemporaries in Italy and Germany.

Legacy

This work contributes to Dürer's diverse artistic legacy, offering a painted counterpart to his more famous prints, and remains a point of interest for comparing his multifaceted creative output.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.