The Lady on Horseback and the Lansquenet

"The Lady on Horseback and the Lansquenet" is a significant engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1497. This early work showcases the artist's rapidly developing skill in the copperplate engraving technique, a medium Dürer would master and ultimately elevate throughout his career. Classified as a print, the work demonstrates the fine detail and subtle tonal variations that could be achieved through precise handling of the burin.

The composition centers on the interaction between two contrasting figures. A stately woman, elegantly dressed and mounted on a robust horse, commands the viewer’s attention, possibly representing nobility or virtue. She is juxtaposed with the Lansquenet, a German mercenary foot soldier identifiable by his distinctive uniform and the weapons he carries, including a long polearm or sword. The depiction of the mercenary, a common and often rowdy figure in late 15th-century European society, provides important cultural context for the period. Dürer’s careful articulation of the horses, men, and women within this piece transforms a simple meeting into a narrative tableau, typical of Northern Renaissance allegories.

Dürer’s meticulous handling of line and shadow established new standards for graphic arts in Germany. The work, a cornerstone of the artist's early production, allows scholars to trace the development of his signature style. This specific impression of the 1497 work resides within the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major historic print, high-resolution public domain images are readily accessible, ensuring the continued study and appreciation of Dürer’s influential early engravings.