Artwork
Bathing Woman
Bathing Woman is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Bathing Woman is a Renaissance engraving on laid paper, created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1525 in Regensburg. As a key figure of the Danube School and among the Nuremberg Little Masters, Altdorfer was renowned for his innovative use of landscape and intricate engravings.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a nude woman in a natural setting, bent over washing her feet in a shallow pool. Her back is turned, revealing the curve of her spine and the folds of her loose, draped dress. A towel hangs conveniently on a nearby branch.
Technique & Style
Executed solely in ink on paper, the work showcases Altdorfer's mastery of engraving techniques. Tiny parallel lines meticulously build up shadows and textures, capturing the subtleties of the woman's skin, the rippling water, and the fabric of her dress.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1525 in Regensburg, Bathing Woman reflects Altdorfer's early emphasis on landscape as an independent subject, characteristic of the Danube School. The piece's provenance details are not specified in available information.
Context
Within the broader context of Renaissance art, Bathing Woman stands out for its integration of a naturalistic scene with the emerging focus on the human form, typical of the period's artistic explorations. The Danube School's influence is evident in the harmonious balance between figure and landscape.
Legacy
As part of Altdorfer's oeuvre, Bathing Woman contributes to the artist's legacy as a pioneer in both landscape depiction and engraving techniques of the Renaissance. Its simplicity and depth have influenced subsequent generations in appreciating the nuances of monochrome engraving.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
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