Small Horse

Small Horse by Albrecht Dürer, dating from 1505, is a significant example of the master’s work in the graphic arts. Executed as an engraving on laid paper, this print showcases Dürer’s unparalleled technical precision, cementing his reputation as the preeminent printmaker of the Northern Renaissance. The delicate handling of the burin allowed the artist to achieve extreme linear fidelity, defining the horse’s structure through carefully calibrated fields of parallel lines and cross-hatching, demonstrating a meticulous approach to volume and texture.

Created during the pivotal period of 1501 to 1550, the subject matter reflects the era’s intensive study of anatomy and classical proportion. Dürer was deeply concerned with the theoretical principles underlying idealized forms, applying lessons learned from his travels to Italy to the distinctly linear medium of engraving. While the title suggests a small subject, the rendering of the animal is characterized by a classical monumentality, echoing ancient statuary. This pursuit of the perfectly proportioned figure became a defining feature of the German Renaissance, with Dürer leading the way in disseminating these new artistic theories.

The work is often discussed alongside its later counterpart, the Great Horse (1507), as part of Dürer’s ongoing investigation into equestrian form. The detail and complexity seen in this piece helped elevate the status of prints from simple illustration toward autonomous artistic achievements. The ability of the artist to widely disseminate his innovative visual ideas and intellectual concepts through repeatable media fundamentally changed the European art market.

Today, this seminal engraving is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The continuous interest in Dürer’s graphic legacy means that high-quality images of this masterpiece are frequently studied, remaining a widely accessible work often available within the public domain for scholarly research and appreciation.