Artwork
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt at a Fountain
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt at a Fountain is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt at a Fountain is a woodcut on laid paper, created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1514. This print showcases the artist's emphasis on landscape as a central element, characteristic of his work within the Danube School tradition.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts a biblical scene of rest during the Flight into Egypt, set against a detailed and expressive landscape. The composition highlights the interplay between nature and architectural elements, with the fountain serving as a focal point that blends organic and crafted beauty.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed sharp lines and repetitive patterns to achieve a densely populated visual field. The work reflects influences from the Nuremberg Little Masters, notable for their intricate, small-scale engravings. The style is marked by minute details, with figures and decorations seamlessly integrated into the ornate framework.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1514 by Albrecht Altdorfer, a multifaceted artist (painter, engraver, architect) based in Regensburg. As a member of both the Danube School and the Nuremberg Little Masters, Altdorfer's work in this period exemplifies the intersection of these stylistic movements.
Context
This woodcut represents a shift in Renaissance art, where landscape began to emerge as an independent subject. Altdorfer's approach, blending detailed natural settings with religious narratives, contributed to the evolving aesthetic of the time.
Legacy
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt at a Fountain demonstrates Altdorfer's influence on the development of landscape-focused art in the Renaissance. Its intricate style and composition have made it a notable example of early 16th-century German printmaking.
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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The Rest on the Flight into Egypt at a Fountain
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