The Ill-Assorted Couple

The Ill-Assorted Couple by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a pivotal example of the artist's early mastery of printmaking. Executed between 1491 and 1501, this piece is an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing the extraordinary precision Dürer achieved in the demanding medium of copperplate. This period marks a crucial transition for Dürer, moving him from an established Northern European Gothic style toward the nascent High Renaissance principles he would later champion. As one of the foundational prints created in early modern Germany, the piece cemented his reputation as a versatile and technically brilliant graphic artist.

The subject matter, an "ill-assorted couple," falls within a popular moralizing trope prevalent in late 15th-century European art, often contrasting youth and beauty with old age and avarice. Typically, these scenes satirized the dangers of unequal marriages, suggesting mercenary intent or folly. Dürer’s interpretation handles the figures with keen observation and detail, characteristic of his meticulous approach to human form and expression. The engraving is held within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key reference for the study of German Renaissance graphic arts.

Dürer’s prolific output of high-quality engravings allowed his influential style to spread rapidly across Europe. Unlike unique paintings, works like this print circulated widely, establishing his reputation globally. Today, the enduring legacy of Dürer’s technical brilliance means that many of his key works, including studies related to this theme, are widely available in the public domain, allowing researchers and enthusiasts continued access to his foundational contributions to the art historical canon.