The Bookplate of Willibald Pirckheimer, created in 1529, is an engraving by Master I.B. (possibly Georg Pencz; German, c. 1500-1550) after an original design by the master Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528). This historical print was produced in Germany during the high period of the Northern Renaissance, establishing a crucial link between Nuremberg's leading artistic figures.
Executed as a detailed engraving in black on ivory laid paper, the work functions as an ex-libris, designed specifically to denote ownership of books within the vast library of the renowned humanist and scholar Willibald Pirckheimer. Dürer’s initial design, translated by I.B., features the intricate line work characteristic of German printmaking during this era, often incorporating heraldic devices, coats of arms, and classical architectural motifs to symbolize the owner’s intellectual and social standing.
As an engraver working shortly after Dürer’s death, I.B. maintained the precise standards established by his predecessor, ensuring that the legacy of this influential partnership continued in the realm of publishing and personal prints. This piece serves as a significant record of early German book collection and artistic patronage.
Today, this important example of Renaissance print history resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because of its age and cultural significance, high-quality images of this engraving are often available through the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts contemporary access to these foundational works of graphic art.
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