Artwork
Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer is a print by the Romanticist artist François Forster. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The print has a dated mark in the corner (1500) and Latin text, but those are likely added later.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with long, curly hair and a beard. He’s wearing a fur-lined robe, and his right hand rests on his chest. The background is plain, keeping all focus on his face and posture.
The print has a dated mark in the corner (1500) and Latin text, but those are likely added later. The artist’s name, *François Forster*, is written at the bottom.
Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create dramatic effect.
Overview
Created around 1822 by French engraver François Forster, this monochrome print is titled after the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of early‑nineteenth‑century portrait engraving.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a bearded man with flowing, curly hair, dressed in a robe trimmed with fur. His right hand rests lightly on his chest, a pose that conveys a sense of dignity and introspection. The stark, unadorned background isolates the figure, directing attention to his facial expression and attire.
Technique & Style
Executed in black‑and‑white line work, the print relies on careful modulation of line density to suggest volume and texture, especially in the fur lining and the subject’s hair. Although the piece bears a dated mark of 1500 and some Latin inscription, these elements appear to be later additions rather than original components of Forster’s design.
History & Provenance
Forster signed his name at the bottom of the plate, confirming authorship. The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, though the precise path of ownership before that remains undocumented in the museum’s records.
Context
The portrait reflects a period interest in commemorating historic artists, with Forster choosing Dürer as a subject despite the lack of a contemporary likeness. By employing chiaroscuro principles—contrasting light and dark—the engraving achieves a dramatic presence that aligns with Romantic-era reverence for past masters.
Artist & collection
