Artwork
The Knight on Horseback and the Lansquenet
The Knight on Horseback and the Lansquenet is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Knight on Horseback and the Lansquenet is a woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer around 1496, during his early career. It is a representative example of his work in this medium, which was a significant part of his initial success.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a knight on horseback passing a standing lansquenet, or Landsknecht, a type of soldier. The calm demeanor of the horse contrasts with the static, observational posture of the soldier, who leans on his pike.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the print showcases Dürer's skill in this technique. The composition captures a moment of everyday life, presenting a straightforward, observational representation of two figures.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1496, this work is an early example of Dürer's output, a period when he was developing his artistic style and achieving recognition through his prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
