The Desperate Man

The Desperate Man by Albrecht Dürer, dating from 1514-1515, is a highly significant example of the artist’s groundbreaking experimentation with printmaking techniques during the German Renaissance. This detailed impression is classified as a print, specifically an etching executed in iron on laid paper. This challenging medium was new to the graphic arts at the time and allowed Dürer, already established as a master engraver, to achieve a rapid, fluid quality of line distinct from the controlled precision required by the burin.

The specific use of the iron etching plate contributed to the work’s expressive, rough quality, which mirrors the frantic energy implied by the title. The piece represents a focused study on psychological distress and intense emotional states. While often analyzed alongside Dürer’s earlier master engravings, the elusive subject of The Desperate Man defies simple identification, positioning it among the era's sophisticated explorations of human temperament and inner turmoil. Dürer’s technical skill is evident in his ability to convey deep emotion and dramatic intensity solely through the grayscale limitations of the printed medium.

Produced during the pivotal years spanning 1501 to 1550, the work reflects the intellectual vigor of the Northern European artistic center, greatly influencing subsequent generations of artists. Dürer's prints were critical agents for the rapid dissemination of stylistic and thematic ideas across Europe. This particular impression of the German masterwork resides within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Owing to its historical importance and age, high-resolution prints of this piece are frequently available in the public domain, ensuring continued accessibility for study and appreciation worldwide.