Artwork
The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil
The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil is an engraving on laid paper, created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1523. Associated with the Danube School and the Nuremberg Little Masters, this work exemplifies Altdorfer's proficiency in intricate prints and his innovative approach to landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a serene figure, possibly Virgil, seated with crossed legs and holding a spear, while another figure kneels before him, engaged in an uncertain task with a tool. The scene's tension and the subjects' roles are left ambiguous, inviting interpretation.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed cross-hatching extensively, using fine, expressive lines to achieve deep shadows, rich texture, and a near-three-dimensional quality. This technique, characteristic of the Nuremberg Little Masters, enhances the work's visual depth and emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in Regensburg around 1523, this engraving reflects Altdorfer's contribution to the Danube School's emphasis on expressive landscapes. Provenance details are not specified in available information.
Context
Within the broader Renaissance, this work stands out for its early emphasis on landscape as a significant element, foreshadowing later artistic movements. Altdorfer's dual focus on figure and landscape sets it apart from contemporaneous works.
Legacy
The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil contributes to Altdorfer's reputation as a versatile Renaissance artist, influencing subsequent generations with its technical innovation and compositional complexity, though its direct impact on specific later works is not well-documented.
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…
