Coat of Arms with Cock

"Coat of Arms with Cock" by Albrecht Dürer is an important early example of the German master’s profound skill in the medium of engraving. Created between approximately 1497 and 1507, this piece falls within the most fertile period of Dürer’s career, when he was pioneering the potential of fine-line prints to disseminate complex imagery across Europe. The meticulous detail required for the technique highlights the artist’s technical rigor, transforming the functional heraldic subject matter into a highly refined work of art characteristic of the Northern Renaissance.

The composition is centered around a complex heraldic device, or Coat of Arms, featuring a shield supported by a vigilant, rampant Lion. This powerful creature is a common motif in Germanic heraldry, symbolizing nobility and strength. The true focus, however, lies in the unusual crest: a stylized Rooster, or Cock, standing proudly atop the elaborate helm. The surrounding design utilizes flowing, decorative leaves, or mantling, which frame the central elements with characteristic Renaissance exuberance and movement.

While the specific family associated with this particular coat of arms is not definitively identified, the work exemplifies the status and artistic attention given to personalized emblems during the period. As a leading figure, Dürer elevated the status of the print medium from mere reproductive technology to an independent artistic form. This piece demonstrates why his engravings are highly sought after by institutions. This specific impression is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a key example of the master’s early explorations into graphic design and heraldry. Due to its age and cultural importance, high-resolution prints of this historical work are often found in the public domain, ensuring its continued study by scholars and art enthusiasts globally.