The Monstrous Pig of Landser

The Monstrous Pig of Landser by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1496, is a significant early example of the artist's masterful technique in copperplate engraving. This small but impactful work is classified as a fine art print, relying on the demanding medium of engraving to achieve profound detail and tonal variation. Dürer meticulously renders the bizarre anatomical features of the creature, which was reportedly born in the German town of Landser, incorporating elements of the macabre and the miraculous.

The composition documents a highly unusual piglet, depicted with a distorted face, a single foreleg, and four eyes. The precise cross-hatching and varied line weight demonstrate Dürer's burgeoning command of the burin, establishing textures ranging from the stiff bristles of the Monstrous Pig of Landser to the surrounding landscape.

Such depictions of real or rumored animal deformities were highly popular in the late 15th century, circulating widely through mass-produced prints. These anomalies were generally viewed not merely as biological curiosities but as portents, fueling theological and popular speculation about divine signs or impending disaster. By documenting this reported event, Dürer participated in the era's fascination with marvels and curiosities, elevating a local report concerning pigs into a widely distributed visual document. This historical engraving is a key document in Dürer’s development as a graphic artist, demonstrating the power of the prints medium to disseminate information and imagery across Europe. A high-quality impression of the work is held in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.