Heauton Timouroumenos, from "The Comedies of Terence", 19th century reprint

Heauton Timouroumenos, from "The Comedies of Terence", 19th century reprint by Albrecht Dürer, is a crucial example of early Renaissance printmaking whose influence resonated throughout artistic production for centuries. Although this specific impression dates to the 19th century, the design originates from Dürer’s prolific period between 1485 and 1528. The piece belongs to a series commissioned to illustrate the influential Roman comedies of Terence, reflecting the deep engagement of Renaissance humanists with classical literature.

Dürer, recognized as a master graphic artist, was instrumental in elevating the German woodcut tradition, transforming it from a simple illustrative technique into a complex artistic medium capable of rendering fine detail and deep tonal contrasts. This woodcut depicts a specific scene from the play Heauton Timouroumenos (The Self-Tormentor). In line with the text’s focus on character and moral complexity, the composition centers on male figures engaged in dialogue and dramatic tension, typical of the narrative structure of ancient Roman comedy. The precise linearity and heavy hatching characteristic of Dürer’s graphic style remain evident in this reproduction, emphasizing the expressive potential of the black-and-white print medium.

Classified as a print, the work is held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The continuous interest in this series is reflected in the prevalence of these later reprints, which allowed broader access to Dürer’s influential early modern imagery. Because many of Dürer’s original designs have entered the public domain, high-quality prints derived from his seminal work, such as Heauton Timouroumenos, remain widely studied and appreciated for their historical significance and technical brilliance, ensuring the ongoing legacy of the artist’s graphic achievements.