The Peasant and His Wife at Market

The Peasant and His Wife at Market is a pivotal engraving created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, in 1519. Executed in black ink on off-white laid paper, this print showcases the German master’s profound technical skill within the graphic arts medium. By 1519, Dürer had perfected the use of the burin, manipulating line density and crosshatching to achieve complex tonal variations that lend a sculptural quality to his figures. This sophisticated technique allowed for the efficient production and wide dissemination of his art, establishing Dürer as the preeminent printmaker of the Northern Renaissance.

The subject matter focuses tightly on two figures, likely captured during a transaction or a moment of repose at a rural marketplace. This focus on vernacular life contrasts with the religious and mythological themes often found in Dürer’s earlier works, reflecting a growing interest in social realism and genre scenes in early 16th-century Germany. The peasant couple is rendered with characteristic Dürer detail, emphasizing their worn clothing and facial expressions, offering a subtle commentary on social hierarchy or human nature. The depth and definition achieved in this piece demonstrate the artist's ability to imbue common scenes with psychological complexity.

This particular impression of The Peasant and His Wife at Market is held in the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As one of the mature works produced by Dürer, the print remains highly studied for its technical brilliance and socio-historical insight into the period. Today, high-quality images and prints of this masterwork are widely available through public domain resources, ensuring its continued study by scholars worldwide.