Defining Beauty: Albrecht Durer at the Morgan
“What beauty is, I know not,
though it adheres to many things.”
—Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer, detail from “Abduction on Horseback” (1516).
DEFINING BEAUTY: ALBRECHT DÜRER
The Morgan Library & Museum
May 14 through September 12, 2010
New York, NY — Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528), preeminent master of the German Renaissance, transformed drawing in Northern Europe. Using his unrivaled talent as a draftsman and the force of his powerful artistic personality, Dürer tirelessly promoted drawing as a medium, creating works of exceptional beauty and remarkable technical skill.
Now, in an exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum, eight extraordinary drawings by Dürer demonstrate the variety and dynamism of his draftsmanship. Exhibitions focused on Dürer’s drawings are rare, and this occasion marks the first time in more than twenty years that the Morgan’s outstanding Dürer holdings will be displayed together. Also included are prints and treatises by the artist.
In his pursuit of beauty, Dürer devoted careful attention to every aspect of artistic production. On view in the exhibition are a woodcut, its associated woodblock, and a letter to the patron for whom it was made. In the letter Dürer wrote, “Please let it be as it is. No one could improve it because it was done artistically and with care. Those who see it and who understand such matters will tell you so.”
Learn more about this exhibition at www.themorgan.org
The Park West Gallery masterworks collection is one of the world’s finest and includes rare artworks by Albrecht Dürer, one of the greatest printmakers of all time. View collection highlights »
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