Coat -of-Arms of Johan Stabius, edition of 1781

The Coat -of-Arms of Johan Stabius, edition of 1781 by Albrecht Dürer is a complex and historically rich example of Renaissance heraldry rendered through the exacting medium of the woodcut. Although this particular impression was pulled in 1781, it derives from an original design conceived by Dürer between 1485 and 1528 for his close associate, the renowned humanist and imperial historian Johan Stabius. This work stands as a testament to the powerful utility of the print during the German Renaissance, enabling personalized iconography to be distributed widely among intellectual and courtly circles.

The composition centers on the intricate display of the Stabius family Coat of Arms, flanked by elaborate mantling and a detailed display of the crest. Characteristic of Dürer’s unrivaled skill in printmaking, the piece utilizes fine, densely packed lines to create texture and depth, successfully translating the richness of a painted crest into black and white form. The Birds featured prominently within the armorial display are rendered with sharp detail, integral to the symbolic language of heraldry.

Dürer produced several key collaborative works with Stabius, who served in the court of Emperor Maximilian I. This piece showcases not only the technical brilliance of Dürer as a draughtsman but also the close relationships fostered among the era’s leading thinkers and artists. The work resides in the definitive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the age of the original design, major works by Dürer, including similar graphic prints, are often available in the public domain, continuing the tradition of broad access established by the artist centuries ago.