Artwork
Fortitude
Fortitude is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fortitude is an engraving created by Heinrich Aldegrever in 1528. It is a representative work by a German artist known for his small-scale prints.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a female figure personifying the virtue of fortitude. She is shown with a sturdy object in her right hand, symbolizing her strength.
Technique & Style
Aldegrever employed fine lines and shading to convey texture and depth in the figure's hair, clothing, and accessories. This technique was characteristic of Renaissance prints, allowing for detailed representations without the use of color.
Context
Fortitude reflects the artistic traditions of the Northern Renaissance, particularly the detailed craftsmanship associated with the 'Little Masters,' a group of engravers influenced by Albrecht Dürer.
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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.
