The Fifth Knot by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance printmaking, executed in 1507. This highly refined composition is rendered as a woodcut in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing the precision achievable through this technically demanding medium. The German artist, Dürer, created this piece during a period of intense experimentation with graphic arts, following his formative studies in Italy.
The work belongs to a specific set known as the Six Knots, decorative designs that are purely abstract yet reveal Dürer’s unparalleled mastery of mathematical symmetry and linear structure. Produced in Germany, the intricate, endlessly looping pattern of The Fifth Knot required meticulous carving of the wood matrix. The resulting impression features sharp, decisive lines and controlled negative space characteristic of his finest prints. The visual complexity of the interweaving bands, which appear to defy the laws of physical space, elevates the piece beyond mere decoration into a sophisticated technical demonstration of geometric execution by the artist 1471-1528.
This significant print, created using the woodcut technique that Dürer helped popularize across Europe, cemented his status as a revolutionary figure in the history of graphic arts. This particular impression of the work resides within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a landmark print created by this German master, the work has entered the public domain, ensuring broad access to Dürer’s enduring and influential legacy.
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