Adelphi, from "The Comedie of Terence", 19th century reprint

Adelphi, from "The Comedie of Terence", 19th century reprint is a woodcut image associated with the extensive graphic output of the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer. This particular impression, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a nineteenth-century reprint, testifying to the enduring demand for and influence of Dürer’s influential designs centuries after their creation.

The original design dates from the height of the Northern Renaissance, roughly between 1485 and 1528, a period when Dürer fundamentally revolutionized the art of printmaking. Utilizing the woodcut medium, Dürer brought an unprecedented level of detail, sophistication, and narrative clarity to the print format, establishing prints as a highly respected artistic category rather than merely an illustrative tool.

The subject matter centers on a detailed urban environment, likely inspired by the visual interpretation of the Roman comedies written by Terence. The composition is defined by robust architectural elements, showcasing detailed Buildings lining the classical Streets. Figures of Men occupy the foreground and middle ground, interacting within the public space and providing a sense of scale against the detailed structures. This focus on realistic urban environments was a hallmark of Renaissance printmaking.

The inclusion of this later reproduction within The Met’s holdings ensures the continued study and preservation of this artistic lineage. Because much of Dürer's graphic work has entered the public domain, such high-quality historical impressions are crucial resources for scholars examining the visual culture and technical achievements of the German Renaissance.