Artwork
The Duke
The Duke is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Lützelburger. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Duke is a woodcut print created by Hans Lützelburger around 1526. It is a representative example of Lützelburger's skilled craftsmanship as a blockcutter.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a group of people entangled in vines and branches, with a building and trees in the background. The figures appear to be struggling, with some holding objects such as a staff. The scene conveys a sense of confusion and disorder.
Technique & Style
The woodcut is characterized by sharp lines and simple shapes, a style typical of the medium. Lützelburger's precise cutting technique is evident in the intricate details of the image, which was carved into wood and then printed.
History & Provenance
Lützelburger was active in Augsburg from around 1516 and is known to have cut 41 woodblocks for Hans Holbein the Younger's Dance of Death series, demonstrating his expertise as a blockcutter rather than a designer.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Lützelburger (died June 1526), also known as Hans Franck, was a German blockcutter ("formschneider") for woodcuts, regarded as one of the finest of his day.
