"Alberti Dvreri pictoris et architecti praestantissimi De vrbibvs..."

ABOUT THIS WORK

This illustrated book, titled "Alberti Dvreri pictoris et architecti praestantissimi De vrbibvs...", offers a fascinating glimpse into the theoretical side of Albrecht Dürer, a towering figure of the German Renaissance. While Dürer is perhaps best known for his masterful prints like "Adam and Eve" and "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," he was also a profound theorist, deeply interested in mathematics, perspective, and proportion. This book, published posthumously, likely compiles his extensive research and writings on urban planning and fortification, a testament to his multifaceted genius. Dürer's contact with major Italian artists such as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci influenced his rigorous approach to art and architecture, pushing him to explore the scientific principles underlying artistic creation. This work demonstrates his commitment to intellectual inquiry beyond the canvas or woodblock, solidifying his reputation not just as a painter and printmaker, but also as a significant architectural theorist.

DETAILS

Artist: Albrecht Dürer
Date: 1535
Medium: Illustrated book
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions: 78 pp.; H: 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
Collection: The Libraries
Culture: Paris: Officina Christiani Wecheli, 1535
Credit line: Purchased with income from the Jacob S. Rogers Fund

ART MOVEMENTS

Northern Renaissance

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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Pick one and we’ll show you exactly where to look.

"Alberti Dvreri pictoris et architecti praestantissimi De vrbibvs..."

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01Whole painting

Diagram beside finished letter

Each row pairs a gridded sketch with finished bold letters. Your eye moves from the plan to the result, then on to the next letter in the alphabet.

02

The Q's long tail

On the right page, look at the big Q whose tail sweeps out in a long, thin curve. Set beside its construction diagram, it shows how the letter's grace rests on a geometric plan.

1 of 4 on the painting

03

Construction diagram of Q

Find the small square with a circle and a diagonal line inside, beside the Q. Dürer builds the letter from simple shapes, so you can see the method.

2 of 4 on the painting

04

The P's inner grid

At lower left, the P diagram sits inside a grid of crossing lines with small circles near the base. The curve and stem are laid out by measurement, not drawn by eye.

3 of 4 on the painting

05

Ghost letters showing through

Pale, reversed shapes of other letters show faintly through the paper, especially on the left page. They are most likely the printing on the reverse side showing through the thin sheet.

4 of 4 on the painting

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THE ARTIST