The Promenade (copy)

The Promenade (copy) by Albrecht Dürer is a sophisticated example of German Renaissance engraving, a print executed during the broad period between 1485 and 1600. The demanding technique required precise line work on a copper plate, a defining characteristic of Dürer’s approach to graphic arts and the widespread dissemination of imagery.

The composition focuses on two primary subjects, a man and a woman, depicted in formal attire while engaged in a social walk, or promenade. These figures provide valuable insight into the sumptuary laws and prevailing fashions of the Northern European elite. The interaction between the man and the woman suggests a scene drawn from contemporary courtly or civic life, meticulously rendered through cross-hatching and detailed shading, typical of the technical complexity required for fine prints. While the original design may have come directly from Dürer’s studio, the wide dating range and the appended ‘copy’ designation indicate that this specific piece is likely an effective emulation created by a student or follower practicing the master’s highly influential style.

This historical print is housed within the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a testament to the enduring influence of the early masters, the artwork contributes significantly to the museum’s holdings in Renaissance prints. Due to its status and institutional tenure, the image is often made available to scholars and the general public, allowing high-quality reproductions of this work to circulate freely within the public domain.