Artwork
Jason and Medea
Jason and Medea is a print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1529, *Jason and Medea* is a small-scale engraving by the German artist Heinrich Aldegrever. Aldegrever belonged to the group of printmakers known as the "Little Masters," who worked in the generation after Albrecht Dürer. The work presents the mythic duo from Greek legend in a compact, highly finished format typical of early sixteenth‑century Northern Renaissance prints.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the encounter between the hero Jason and the sorceress Medea, a scene drawn from the Argonautic cycle. By choosing a classical narrative, Aldegrever aligns his print with the humanist interest in antiquity that permeated Renaissance art, while the intimate scale invites close inspection of the characters’ gestures and expressions.
Technique & Style
The composition balances a clear, orderly arrangement with the dense ornamental quality typical of Northern printmaking of the period.
Executed with fine burin work, the engraving demonstrates the meticulous linework characteristic of the Little Masters. Aldegrever’s handling of hatching and cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal variations, allowing intricate detailing of clothing, anatomy, and background elements. The composition balances a clear, orderly arrangement with the dense ornamental quality typical of Northern printmaking of the period.
History & Provenance
The print emerged in a flourishing market for affordable, collectible artworks in early sixteenth‑century Germany. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the piece was likely distributed among collectors who prized both its classical theme and the technical virtuosity of Aldegrever’s workshop, contributing to the broader diffusion of Renaissance motifs across northern Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
