Artwork
Dancing Couple
Dancing Couple is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The engraving 'Dancing Couple' is a print created by Heinrich Aldegrever in 1551. It is a representative work of the 'Little Masters,' a group of German artists known for their small-scale prints.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man and woman dancing together, their clothing characterized by heavy folds and layers. The man's staff and their mid-motion pose suggest a lively, possibly traditional, dance.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases precise linework, with shadows and textures achieved through closely packed parallel lines, a technique typical of the period. The use of engraving as a medium allowed for detailed craftsmanship.
Context
Aldegrever's work follows in the tradition of Albrecht Dürer, a prominent German artist of the previous generation. As a member of the 'Little Masters,' Aldegrever's prints reflect the group's focus on small-scale, intricately detailed works.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf (1502–1555, 1558 or 1561) was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
