The Ornaments Atop the Right Portal, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18

The Ornaments Atop the Right Portal, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18 is a highly detailed woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, a pivotal figure of the German Renaissance. Created initially in 1515 and printed slightly later, this print is a crucial section of Dürer's monumental collaborative project, the Arch of Honor (Ehrenpforte), commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I. The Arch was not a physical structure, but one of the largest prints ever conceived in the sixteenth century, intended as a lasting propaganda piece and memorial to the Emperor's lineage and accomplishments.

This specific woodcut panel illustrates the complex architectural and decorative elements crowning the right gateway of the conceptual arch structure. Dürer’s mastery of the medium is profoundly evident in the intricate detail and volumetric modeling achieved, despite the inherent challenge of relief printing. Unlike many contemporary printmakers, Dürer treated the woodblock like a sophisticated etching plate, utilizing fine lines and dense crosshatching to achieve nuanced tonal depth and shading, transforming the perceived limitations of the woodcut.

The execution of the Arch project, which saw Dürer providing the original design and supervising the block cutters, cemented his role as the premier printmaker of his era. This section of the Arch offers valuable insight into the ambitious scale of Imperial artistic patronage during the early 16th century and the complexities of translating immense designs into print. As a key surviving example from this massive undertaking, this important proof is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a vital piece of Renaissance printmaking history. Today, high-quality prints of Dürer's work are frequently shared through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued scholarly and public access to this German master.