Coat of Arms of Wilhelm and Wolfgang Rogendorf

The Coat of Arms of Wilhelm and Wolfgang Rogendorf is a remarkable 1864 lithograph produced by Ralf Leopold von Retberg-Wettbergen (1812-1885), based on an earlier heraldic design attributed to Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Executed in black ink on ivory wove paper, the classification as a print highlights its purpose as a reproductive image, making the esteemed German Renaissance design accessible nearly 350 years later. This meticulously rendered piece depicts the complex symbolism associated with the Rogendorf family lineage, showcasing the elaborate helms, mantling, and escutcheons typical of German noble armorial bearings.

Retberg-Wettbergen’s work exemplifies the 19th-century practice of copying historical masterpieces, ensuring that the influential graphic language established by Dürer remained relevant across various media. By issuing these prints in 1864, the later artist paid homage to the technical brilliance of his predecessor while utilizing the newer technology of lithography. This tradition of artistic reverence and reproduction, common in 19th-century Germany, ensures that historical masterpieces and influential Renaissance designs, particularly those belonging to the public domain, continue to inform contemporary viewers. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago collection, this work serves as both an independent example of 19th-century printmaking and a crucial link to Dürer’s enduring graphic catalog.