Artwork

The Fourth Knot (combining seven circular groups of knots with black centers)

The Fourth Knot (combining seven circular groups of knots with black centers) is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1506 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut entitled The Fourth Knot (combining seven circular groups of knots with black centers) dates from around 1506. Executed as a single‑sheet print, the work presents a central circular motif composed of interlacing knot patterns that radiate outward within a dark field, framed by a square border that echoes the same decorative motifs.

Subject & Meaning

The composition consists of a large circle filled with white, rope‑like lines that form a series of intertwined knots, each surrounding a black nucleus. Seven subsidiary circles, also centered on black spots, are arranged within the main circle, creating a rhythmic visual hierarchy that suggests concepts of unity, continuity, and the mathematical fascination with repeating forms.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed the woodcut technique, carving the intricate knotwork into a block of wood and printing it in a single impression. The stark contrast between the black background and the white line work highlights the precision of his incision, while the symmetrical arrangement reflects the artist’s interest in geometry and the emerging Renaissance emphasis on order and proportion.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the print belongs to Dürer’s series of ornamental designs that explore decorative motifs. Although specific ownership records are limited, the piece has been documented in catalogues of Dürer’s prints and is held in several major collections that specialize in Northern Renaissance graphic art.