Siege of a Fortress: Right Portion

Siege of a Fortress: Right Portion by Albrecht Dürer, executed as a woodcut in 1527, is a detailed document of military architecture and technology during the early modern period in Germany. Created late in the artist’s career, this print reflects Dürer’s intense interest in fortification and the practical application of geometry, subjects he explored in depth in his influential treatises.

The composition, which forms the right section of what was originally a larger, two-part image, focuses intensely on the high walls and complex infrastructure of a besieged city. Dürer meticulously illustrates the practicalities of war, including scaffolding used by attackers, massive cannons, and the highly specific defensive structures intended to repel assaults. This particular piece showcases the dynamic chaos and structural engineering inherent in Renaissance siege warfare, capturing the precision required to sustain or break a fortress.

Dürer’s expertise extended beyond purely artistic endeavors; the meticulous detailing of the cannons, lances, and engineering apparatus seen in this work parallels the theoretical military strategies he formalized in his 1527 publication, Etliche Underricht zu Befestigung der Stett, Schloss, und Flecken (Treatise on Fortification). This practical aspect reinforces the historical significance of the image, showing an immediate application of Dürer’s geometric and architectural theories to real-world defensive planning. The masterful technique of the woodcut allows Dürer to render fine details while maintaining the strong, graphic impact necessary for disseminating prints widely. This significant piece resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, and as a key example of German Renaissance graphic arts, it is often studied as a valuable public domain resource.