Artwork

The Severe Father

The Severe Father, by Heinrich Aldegrever, 1553
The Severe Father, by Heinrich Aldegrever, 1553

The Severe Father is a print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1553 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Severe Father is a 1553 engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, a German artist known for his small-scale prints.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene of an older bearded man grasping a younger man, conveying a sense of tension and fear. A Latin text on a scroll above them may provide context for the scene.

Technique & Style

Aldegrever's refined engraving style is evident in the detailed rendering of the figures and their surroundings, including a broken column and textured beards.

Context

As a member of the 'Little Masters,' Aldegrever was part of a generation of German artists influenced by Albrecht Dürer, known for their intricate prints.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Heinrich Aldegrever

Artist

Heinrich Aldegrever

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.

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