The Ill-Assorted Couple

The Ill-Assorted Couple is a significant early engraving by Albrecht Dürer, dating to 1495. This German Renaissance masterwork is a prime example of the artist’s rapid ascent in the intaglio printmaking process. The meticulous detail required for the medium of engraving allowed Dürer to render complex textures and precise contours, establishing him as a central figure in the history of prints and graphical arts.

The subject matter revisits the popular Northern European Renaissance motif of the "Ill-Assorted Couple," a moralizing theme that typically critiques unequal relationships driven by material wealth, lust, or societal status. The composition focuses intently on the figures-a richly dressed woman, likely younger, and an older, less refined man. The implied transactional nature of the interaction between these men and women served as a societal commentary often found in the art of the period, warning against greed.

A prominent horse stands detailed in the background, adding complexity to the scene. The inclusion of animals in Dürer's work often carries symbolic weight, enhancing the allegorical nature of the print. Created early in his career, this engraving foreshadows the sophisticated narrative and technical precision that would define the rest of Dürer’s graphic output. This type of master print, integral to the study of the history of art and often available in the public domain for scholarly access, continues to influence artists and historians alike. The superb impression of The Ill-Assorted Couple is housed within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.