Landscape with Cannon (The Great Cannon)

Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 produced the historically significant print Landscape with Cannon (The Great Cannon) in 1518. This pivotal work is executed as an etching in black on ivory laid paper, demonstrating the artist’s groundbreaking experimentation with printmaking media. Dürer, a towering figure of the Northern Renaissance, was among the earliest masters in Germany to explore the acid-based technique of etching, valuing its capacity to achieve a fluidity and freedom of line distinct from traditional engraving.

The subject matter expertly merges a panoramic landscape with a specific focus on contemporary military technology. Positioned prominently in the foreground is the enormous artillery piece, dominating the composition and aimed across a complex, deeply receding valley. The middle distance is populated by tiny figures, suggesting a military encampment or fortification site in the rolling German countryside. Dürer’s meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of his mature period, is evident both in the specific rendering of the cannon’s mechanics and the accurate portrayal of the terrain.

Dated clearly in the upper register, this 1518 piece exemplifies Dürer’s commitment to integrating scientific observation and technical precision within his art. The dual focus on natural scenery and man-made instruments of war makes Landscape with Cannon (The Great Cannon) unique within Dürer’s extensive oeuvre. Today, the work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, forming part of its important holdings of Renaissance prints. As a recognized masterpiece of the 16th century, the print’s widespread impact ensures its availability for research and study, often entering the public domain through high-resolution reproductions.