An Eastern Ruler Seated on His Throne

An Eastern Ruler Seated on His Throne by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1495, is a significant early drawing by the master. Executed in precise pen and black ink on laid paper, the work showcases Dürer’s foundational skills in draughtsmanship during the late 15th century. As a key figure in the Northern Renaissance, Dürer helped transition German art from the traditions of the late medieval period into an age marked by a sophisticated understanding of humanism, perspective, and composition.

This powerful representation depicts a presumably non-European monarch, lavishly dressed and positioned centrally upon a monumental, ornate throne. While the specific identity of the ruler remains unknown, the piece exemplifies the contemporary European fascination with exotic subjects and foreign power structures. The ruler is shown wearing a detailed hat or turban and is heavily robed, holding a staff or scepter in his right hand, symbols of regal authority.

The technique employed by Dürer utilizes fine cross-hatching and varied line weight to suggest complex three-dimensionality in both the drapery and the architectural setting of the seat. Though classified strictly as a drawing, the extensive detail suggests that this may have been intended either as a study for a subsequent print or as a finished presentation piece in its own right.

Dürer's meticulous study was created during the pivotal period of 1401 to 1500, a time when the German artist was rapidly expanding his artistic scope, including his highly influential output of engravings and woodcut prints. This piece provides essential insight into his early methods of compositional design and figure study. Today, this masterwork is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Like many works from this era, high-resolution files are frequently made available for educational use, reflecting its current status within the public domain.