Albrecht Dürer
"Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand"
Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer was born on May 21, 1947 in Nuremberg, Bavaria. He spent most of his life in Nuremberg but traveled all over Europe to learn about art. These places included France, Switzerland, Italy, and Netherlands. Dürer first worked as an engraver in his father's shop.. Then he was apprenticed to Michael Wolgemut, a painter and wood carver. He traveled with Wolgemut to France, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Later in life, he traveled to Italy where he took an interest in older art. Dürer is best known for paintings and carvings. His art was commissioned by many patrons. The most important patron was Frederick III, Elector of Saxony. Dürer's other patrons included other wealthy Nuremberg citizens.
"Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand"
This is an oil Vienna painting by Albrecht Dürer made in 1508. Today it is located in Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. This painting is a recreation of a wood carving that Dürer had done ten years earlier. It was commissioned by Frederick III. I find this picture interesting because of the bright colors and intricate detail. There is a lot going on in this painting and every component is detailed.
Analysis
Classicism can be seen in this picture because it brings back older ideas. Martyrs are people who die for their religion. The Renaissance was about moving away from religion and into new ideas. Also Dürer became interested in older art so much of his art is Classicism. This painting could also be seen as humanism. Although this is not about friendship or optimism, it focuses on emotions, challenges, and theology. The martyrs might have been fighting for their religion. I think that this painting might be about the Crusades. Finally, this painting shows naturalism. There are many bright colors and very detailed images. This is image is set in nature and painting with oil paints which are both characteristics of naturalism.
"Albrecht Dürer." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Biography in Context.
Web. 3 Dec. 2015.
Dürer, Albrecht. Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand. 1508. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.
ARTstor. Web. 3 Dec. 2015.