Nemesis (The Great Fortune) by Albrecht Dürer is a masterful and complex copper plate engraving, created between 1501 and 1502. This celebrated print showcases Dürer’s unparalleled technical skill in using the burin to create intense detail and deep tonal contrasts. The image is a sophisticated allegorical fusion of classical concepts with Northern Renaissance naturalism.
The subject is Nemesis, the ancient Greek goddess of divine retribution, often associated here with the fluctuations of luck and fortune. Dürer’s choice to render the figure as a highly modeled female nude emphasizes the period's pursuit of mathematically ideal human proportions, a study the artist famously undertook based on the writings of Vitruvius. The formidable figure floats precariously on a globe, symbolizing the instability of fate. She holds a bridle, signifying restraint and control, and a cup, representing rewards or fate’s bounty.
The technical brilliance of the work is evident in the contrast between the monumental figure and the expansive, minutely detailed landscape far below, often identified as the view surrounding the Tyrolean village of Klausen. Dürer’s use of light and shadow, achieved entirely through meticulous line work, lends the figure immense sculptural weight.
This piece, sometimes referred to as The Great Fortune, is a canonical example of early 16th century German prints and demonstrates Dürer’s command of the engraving medium. It cemented his reputation as one of the most intellectually rigorous artists of the Northern Renaissance. This significant work resides within the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.