Nemesis (The Great Fortune) by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1501, is one of the German Renaissance master's most ambitious single-sheet engravings. This iconic print depicts the classical goddess Nemesis, the embodiment of divine retribution and balance, balancing precariously on a terrestrial sphere. The figure is presented as a monumental study of the female nude, floating high above a detailed, expansive landscape. The composition relies heavily on Dürer’s rigorous study of human proportion and classical form, drawing inspiration from the writings of the Roman architect Vitruvius to achieve the idealized structure of the central figure.
The technical complexity required for this large-format engraving showcases Dürer’s unparalleled skill with the burin, cementing his reputation as the preeminent printmaker of his era. Unlike his earlier works, this piece attempts a profound synthesis of Northern European atmospheric detail and Italianate classical aesthetics. Dürer utilized the theme of the female nudes to explore philosophical concepts related to destiny and human fortune, portraying the goddess holding the bridle (symbolizing restraint) and the elaborate cup (symbolizing fate’s gifts).
The wide circulation of this image, achieved through the medium of prints, demonstrates the growing power of printmaking in disseminating Renaissance ideals across Europe. As a significant work from the German Renaissance, this influential image is part of the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Due to the historical age of the work, high-resolution prints and documentation of this work are often found in public domain archives, allowing researchers and enthusiasts global access to this masterwork.
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