Artwork
Group of Five Figures

Group of Five Figures is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1938.384
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer's print 'Group of Five Figures' dates to around 1516. It exemplifies the artist's expertise in rendering detailed, expressive scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts five figures in a rocky, dark setting: a central nude male figure with bound hands, flanked by two men, observed by a fourth figure, and accompanied by a reclining woman. The scene's meaning is open to interpretation, with the central figure possibly representing a prisoner.
Technique & Style
Dürer employs chiaroscuro to create a dramatic effect, using strong contrasts between light and dark to convey volume and depth. The figures are rendered in a detailed, realistic style, with attention to textures of skin and clothing, showcasing Dürer's technical skill.
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)














