Artwork

Peasant and His Wife

Peasant and His Wife, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1498
Peasant and His Wife, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1498

Peasant and His Wife is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

Peasant and His Wife is an engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer around 1498. It is a genre scene print that showcases Dürer's skill in capturing everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a peasant couple seated at a simple table, with the man holding a coin and the woman looking up in surprise or hope. The scene is set in a plain room with minimal furnishings, emphasizing the couple's rustic surroundings.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed fine lines to shade the subjects' skin and clothing, while cross-hatching added depth to the folds of their worn garments. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of volume, giving the figures a three-dimensional appearance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

British Museum

Museum

British Museum

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