“The Fourth Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with a Round Medallion in its Center

“The Fourth Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with a Round Medallion in its Center is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer sometime between 1500 and 1521. This intricately designed print belongs to a renowned series of six purely ornamental knot designs produced by the German Renaissance artist. Unlike Dürer's narrative or portrait works, this piece focuses solely on complex geometry and the aesthetic precision inherent in pure design, demonstrating the period's fervent interest in mathematical studies and decorative arts.

The composition centers on a continuous, tightly interwoven black line that forms an elaborate circular pattern, or roundel, containing a central medallion. The complexity of the interlacing suggests a deliberate visual challenge, displaying Dürer's superb control over the demanding technical aspects of the woodcut medium. This series of ornamental knots was likely inspired by similar designs originating in Northern Italy, potentially referencing the patterns popularized by Leonardo da Vinci. These prints served a critical function in the early sixteenth century, acting as essential pattern sheets and models for European artisans, including jewelers, embroiderers, and metalworkers, thereby disseminating sophisticated design aesthetics across cultural boundaries.

As a pivotal example of Renaissance printmaking and design methodology, the work remains crucial for studying the widespread influence of Dürer's prolific graphic output. This significant historical print is proudly housed within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Due to its status as an established masterwork and its age, high-resolution images of Dürer’s geometric studies are frequently made accessible for scholarly and public viewing through public domain initiatives, allowing broad appreciation of the artist’s unparalleled contribution to both fine art and ornamental design.