The Cook and his Wife

The Cook and his Wife, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 in 1497, is an exemplary work demonstrating the early mastery of the Renaissance printmaker. Executed as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, this detailed work showcases Dürer’s precise handling of the burin. During the late 15th century, the sophisticated technique of engraving allowed German artists to achieve unprecedented levels of tonal complexity and detail in the medium of prints, effectively transforming printmaking into a major art form accessible to a wider audience.

The subject matter, which depicts a pair of figures likely involved in domestic or service roles, reflects a growing interest among Northern European artists of the era in realistic genre scenes and the portrayal of common folk. While many of Dürer’s contemporary works focused on religious iconography or complex mythological narratives, pieces like The Cook and his Wife provide valuable insight into contemporary working life in Germany. The meticulous cross-hatching, defined outlines, and sophisticated use of line demonstrate why 1471-1528 remains the most influential graphic artist of the Northern Renaissance.

This exceptional piece of early modern printmaking is preserved in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where the institution maintains the fragile ivory laid paper. The artwork’s classification as a print belies its quality, which rivals any contemporaneous drawing or painting. Because this significant historic work is now in the public domain, modern reproductions and studies of Dürer’s groundbreaking technique ensure the continued legacy of this German master’s prolific graphic oeuvre.