Artwork
Jabach Altar: Job on the Dungheap

Jabach Altar: Job on the Dungheap is a mixed painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the Städel Museum.
About this work
Overview
Jabach Altar: Job on the Dungheap is a religious painting from 1505, created by Albrecht Dürer, a pivotal figure in the German Renaissance, known for his profound influence on European art. Executed in mixed technique, the work is part of the Northern Renaissance corpus and is currently housed in the Städel Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the biblical figure of Job in a state of suffering, depicted seated on a brown, earthy surface, attended by a woman in a pink dress, who pours water from a bucket, possibly symbolizing comfort or purification amidst Job's trials. Job is portrayed with a beard and bald head, wearing a simple white loincloth.
Technique & Style
Dürer employed chiaroscuro to achieve a pronounced sense of depth and volume, guiding the viewer's focus towards the foreground figures. This contrasts with the serene background of green trees set against a blue, clouded sky.
History & Provenance
Created in 1505, the artwork is part of the Städel Museum's collection. Notably, the title 'Jabach Altar' suggests a potential original commission or association, though specific historical details on its creation context are not provided here.
Context
As a Northern Renaissance piece, it reflects the period's emphasis on detailed realism and religious themes. Dürer's mixed technique and use of chiaroscuro were innovative for its time, showcasing his versatility beyond engraving.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'Jabach Altar: Job on the Dungheap' are not outlined, as a work by Dürer, it contributes to the broader impact of his artistry on subsequent European artistic movements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)


![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)












![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [left panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--1017dec17318baa5-w320.webp)


