Eunuchus, from "The Comedie of Terence", 19th century reprint

Eunuchus, from "The Comedie of Terence", 19th century reprint by Albrecht Dürer is a significant work of Renaissance-era design translated into the medium of woodcut. Although Dürer’s original preparatory drawings and designs date to the period between 1485 and 1528, this specific impression is a 19th-century reprint, created to preserve and disseminate the master’s pivotal contributions to book illustration. The piece is part of the extensive collection of prints held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The scene depicts a dramatically staged encounter derived from the comedies of the Roman playwright Terence. The composition is highly structured, emphasizing architectural clarity. Robust classical Buildings frame the action, defining the depth and scale of the urban setting. A wide Road or street runs diagonally through the foreground, guiding the viewer’s attention towards the main characters. The focus of the illustration is on the interaction between the Men populating the scene, embodying the narrative tension and humor characteristic of the play.

Dürer was revolutionary in transforming the status of the print from a functional illustration into a respected art form. His innovations in detailed line work and shading pushed the technical boundaries of the woodcut medium. The reproducibility of the print process ensured that Dürer’s influential designs, even in later reprints, continued to shape visual culture for centuries. Due to the historical age of the original blocks, these Renaissance prints are widely available in the public domain today, enabling continued scholarly access and appreciation. This impression preserves the artistic integrity of Dürer’s narrative vision within the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.