Coat of Arms of the German Empire and Nuremberg City

The Coat of Arms of the German Empire and Nuremberg City is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1521. This original work, executed on laid paper, exemplifies Dürer’s sophisticated command of the print medium. As a leading figure in the Northern Renaissance, Dürer frequently utilized high-quality prints like this one for wide distribution, catering to both aristocratic and civic patrons across the German territories.

The composition meticulously combines two distinct heraldic devices. At the top is the powerful Imperial double-headed eagle, representing the Holy Roman Emperor, the official head of the German Empire. Below this shield, Dürer renders the coat of arms for his home city, Nuremberg, symbolized by a crowned harpy. The careful juxtaposition of these powerful symbols reflects Nuremberg’s unique status as a Free Imperial City during this crucial time in the early 16th century (the period of 1501 to 1550). This type of dual-heraldry work served a functional purpose, often displayed publicly to assert the city's loyalty to the Empire while confirming its own important civic pride and autonomy within the complex political structure of the era.

Dürer’s technical skill transforms the woodcut, a traditionally robust medium, into a highly detailed and expressive artistic form. The clarity of the lines and the intricate decorative mantling surrounding the shields demonstrate the evolution of German graphic art during the Renaissance. While the work is fundamentally heraldic, Dürer elevates the design through sophisticated texture and form, establishing the high standard for commemorative and civic prints. This notable example of 16th-century printmaking is held within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical importance, the work is frequently referenced and, like many celebrated old master prints, is generally recognized as being in the public domain.