The Small Horse

The Small Horse, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, in 1505, stands as a prime example of the artist’s mastery of the print medium during the German Renaissance. This work is executed as a sharp black engraving on ivory laid paper. Dürer elevated engraving from a skilled craft into a sophisticated high art form, demanding incredible precision from the artist working with the burin. Rather than illustrating a narrative or moralizing scene, The Small Horse functions as a sophisticated, near-scientific study of equine anatomy and form, reflecting Dürer’s deep interest in classical ideals and the mathematical perfection of nature.

The detailed execution and tonal variety achieved through meticulous cross-hatching reveal Dürer’s commitment to idealized, yet realistic, representation. As a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer (1471-1528) profoundly influenced artistic standards across Germany and Europe, primarily through the wide distribution of his expertly crafted prints. Works such as this engraving served not only as collectible fine art but also as essential instructional tools for other artists seeking to study complex forms and proportions far removed from Italy.

This exceptional example of early 16th-century German printmaking demonstrates the height of Dürer’s technical skill, particularly his ability to render texture and volume using only line. The piece is currently housed in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a masterwork from the Renaissance period, the foundational quality of Dürer’s prints ensures its lasting art historical importance, and like many works of this era, it is entering the public domain, guaranteeing its accessibility for future study.