Nemesis is a monumental engraving created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, between 1501 and 1502. Executed in black ink on fine ivory laid paper, this print exemplifies Dürer’s technical mastery of the burin and his sophisticated approach to classical iconography. As a prolific printmaker working in Germany, Dürer elevated the status of the print medium from merely reproductive illustration to a major art form.
The figure depicted is based on classical descriptions of Nemesis, the goddess of divine retribution and balance. She hovers precariously atop a globe, symbolizing the instability of human fortune, and holds symbolic objects: a bridle to restrain excessive arrogance, and a winged goblet, representing the fleeting nature of pleasure. Dürer derived the composition, particularly the idealized female form, from his contemporary theoretical studies of human proportion, fusing classical ideals with his distinctive Northern Renaissance style. This complex study of morality and fate is sometimes known historically as The Great Fortune or Nemesis.
Highly valued among Dürer’s celebrated prints, this large-scale engraving remains a significant example of early 16th-century German graphic arts. The work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it showcases Dürer’s innovative technique and intellectual depth. While this specific impression is unique, the image's historical importance ensures that high-quality reproductions and study prints often enter the public domain, allowing wide access to Dürer’s revolutionary approach to the medium.
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