Little Fortune

The influential print Little Fortune was executed by the German master Albrecht Dürer around 1496. Classified simply as a print, this significant work utilizes the demanding technique of engraving on laid paper. Created during the period spanning 1401 to 1500, this piece exemplifies Dürer’s foundational years as he honed his mastery of the burin, revolutionizing graphic art in Northern Europe. The subject matter typically aligns with allegorical interpretations of the goddess Fortuna, representing the capriciousness of fate and the instability of human destiny—themes popular during the Renaissance.

Executed in the challenging medium of engraving on laid paper, the technical demands of this classification of prints required supreme precision. The work showcases Dürer’s rapid evolution in controlling the burin to create subtle variations in tone and texture—a necessary foundation for his later, complex masterpieces. Dürer’s innovation was to elevate the status of the print from mere illustration to a fully autonomous art form, capable of expressing high intellectual and symbolic content. Unlike unique paintings, the widespread circulation afforded by prints contributed significantly to the German artist’s reputation, establishing his influence internationally.

As one of the early, key allegorical works by the artist, Little Fortune provides valuable insight into the developing graphic language of the era. The work displays the characteristic blend of classical influence and detailed Northern realism that defined Dürer’s style. The ability of such early masterworks to transition into the public domain ensures continued scholarly study and appreciation across digital and academic platforms. This historically significant example of Dürer's graphic legacy is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.