The Peasant and His Wife

The Peasant and His Wife is an exceptional engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1497. This early work showcases Dürer’s unparalleled mastery of the burin and his technical innovations in the print medium during the Northern Renaissance. Executed just after his major study travels, this piece demonstrates the rapid refinement of his technique, positioning him as the preeminent graphic artist of his era.

The subject matter focuses squarely on a pairing of commoners, depicting a man and a woman standing in a stark, unadorned space. The composition provides an intimate, yet somewhat critical, look at peasant life. The peasant man stands robustly, leaning slightly toward his wife. This depiction of couples from the lower social strata was a popular subject in early modern German prints, often serving as both documentary imagery and moralizing commentary. Dürer pays close attention to the specific textures and details of their rustic attire and aged faces, giving the figures distinct and individualized personality. Such works circulated widely, allowing broader access to Dürer’s detailed observations of European society.

The precision of the line work and the controlled cross-hatching distinguish this engraving as a seminal early work by the master, influencing generations of subsequent printmakers. This important example of Dürer’s graphic output is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, this celebrated work is now part of the public domain, ensuring its continued study and accessibility globally.