“The Third Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with Eight Wreaths and a Scalloped Shield in its Center

“The Third Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with Eight Wreaths and a Scalloped Shield in its Center, created by Albrecht Dürer sometime between 1500 and 1521, is a masterful example of Renaissance graphic design executed in the demanding medium of woodcut. This intricate print belongs to a renowned series often referred to simply as the Six Knots, showcasing Dürer’s dedication to complex, theoretical studies of line and pattern.

The circular composition is defined by a single, dense, and continuous line that weaves eight distinct wreaths into a seemingly infinite ornamental pattern. At the heart of the design is a small, scalloped shield, left blank, perhaps intended for later personalization or heraldic inclusion. This fascination with complex geometric ornament, which echoed similar designs seen in Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop, was highly characteristic of the early sixteenth century. Dürer, a pioneer of printmaking, utilized the bold lines inherent to the woodcut technique to emphasize the optical tension and complexity of the interlacing.

Dürer’s proficiency with the woodcut medium allowed him to disseminate sophisticated Renaissance motifs across Europe, solidifying his reputation as a theoretical artist as well as a practical craftsman. As a pioneering figure in the history of graphic arts, Dürer’s prints remain foundational examples of the medium’s potential. This particular impression of The Third Knot is held in the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and enduring significance of this piece, high-resolution reproductions of the work are widely available through public domain collections, ensuring Dürer’s innovative design remains accessible for study and appreciation worldwide.