Who painted Coat of Arms with a Skull?

Coat of Arms with a Skull was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1503.

Where can I see Coat of Arms with a Skull?

Coat of Arms with a Skull is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Coat of Arms with a Skull?

Coat of Arms with a Skull is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Coat of Arms with a Skull?

Museum-quality prints of Coat of Arms with a Skull are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Coat of Arms with a Skull

Albrecht Dürer , 1503

Coat of Arms with a Skull is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1503 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in plate, bottom right, on tablet on stone: AD [artist's monogram]; in plate, bottom center, on stone: 1503; verso, lower center, in graphite by a later hand: 77; verso, lower right, in graphite by a later hand: [illegible]

About this work

Overview

Coat of Arms with a Skull is a 1503 engraving on laid paper by Albrecht Dürer, currently in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a finely attired woman wielding a sword, backed by a winged, helmeted creature bearing a shield emblazoned with a skull. This motif serves as a memento mori, symbolizing the inevitability of death.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed sharp, precise lines and nuanced shading techniques to achieve a high degree of realism in this black-and-white composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1503, the work's provenance is well-documented from its creation until its current residence at the National Gallery of Art, though specific intermediate owners are not detailed here.

Context

As a Renaissance engraving, it reflects the period's fascination with symbolism and the technical advancements in printmaking, with engraving being a key medium for disseminating artistic and thematic ideas.

Legacy

While the work's direct influence is not broadly highlighted in available information, it contributes to Dürer's broader legacy in perfecting engraving techniques and exploring symbolic themes in Northern Renaissance art.