Who painted Melencolia I?

Melencolia I was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1514.

Where can I see Melencolia I?

Melencolia I is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Melencolia I?

Melencolia I is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Melencolia I

Albrecht Dürer , 1514

Melencolia I is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1926.211
Credit line: Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr., in memory of Ralph King

About this work

Overview

Melencolia I is a print by Albrecht Dürer, representing the complex emotional state of melancholy through a rich array of symbols and imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The print personifies melancholy as a powerful, winged female figure, surrounded by unused tools and instruments, conveying a sense of creative paralysis. This representation reflects the association of melancholy with intellectual and artistic individuals, potentially serving as a spiritual self-portrait of the artist.

Technique & Style

The composition features a dramatic use of chiaroscuro, with a strong contrast between light and shadow, contributing to the overall feeling of stillness and introspection. The inclusion of a magic square and other symbolic objects adds to the print's complex visual language.

Context

Melencolia I engages with the traditional concept of melancholy as a state linked to deep thought and intellectual pursuits, reflecting the cultural and artistic attitudes of Dürer's time.