Jonge vrouw aangevallen door de Dood

Jonge vrouw aangevallen door de Dood is a powerful print created by the German master Albrecht Dürer between 1493 and 1497. This early piece, executed on paper, demonstrates the emerging sophistication of the printmaking medium in late 15th-century Germany. Although the specific printing technique is often classified simply as a print, the detailed execution and deep contrast showcase the artist’s burgeoning technical skill, likely employing a technique such as engraving or woodcut, typical of Dürer’s early output. The creation of this work marks a crucial period in Dürer’s career, immediately preceding or following his major travels, as he transitioned from his apprenticeship to establishing himself as an independent master.

The subject matter directly addresses the inescapable presence of mortality, a theme known in the period as memento mori (remember you must die). The composition depicts a young woman in an aggressive confrontation with the skeletal figure of Death, forcing the viewer to reflect on the transience of youth, beauty, and earthly vanity. Dürer’s dramatic rendering maximizes the psychological impact of the scene, reflecting prevalent moralizing anxieties throughout the culture. This significant example of early Renaissance prints is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it serves as a key reference for understanding German graphic arts. Due to the influential nature and age of the original, high-quality images of Dürer’s pivotal output are often available in the public domain, allowing widespread study of masterpieces like Jonge vrouw aangevallen door de Dood.