The Fourth Knot

The Fourth Knot, created by the seminal German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) in 1507, is an exemplary work of early 16th-century printmaking. Executed as a refined woodcut in black ink on fine ivory laid paper, this piece demonstrates Dürer’s complex engagement with mathematical and purely decorative motifs.

This specific print belongs to a series often referred to collectively as the Knots, or the Six Knots, believed to be inspired by similar interlocking ornamental patterns developed by Leonardo da Vinci. This cross-cultural exchange highlights the sophisticated intellectual environment of the Renaissance, where artists like Dürer synthesized Northern European precision with Italianate compositional ideals. The visual complexity of The Fourth Knot lies in its geometric design, featuring an endlessly interwoven pattern derived from complex overlapping lines that defy easy visual resolution.

The 1507 date places this work squarely within Dürer’s period of intense technical study and mastery. Although the specific functional intent of this decorative pattern remains debated, it serves as a testament to the versatility of the woodcut medium, allowing the artist to widely disseminate high-quality prints throughout Germany and the rest of Europe. The minute detail achieved through the relief process showcases Dürer’s unparalleled technical skill in creating texture and dimensionality using only line and negative space. This historically significant print is proudly preserved in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.