Albrecht Durer after 1520

This small circular print of Albrecht Dürer is an engraving, meaning it was made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the extraordinary density of lines, each one carefully placed to create shading and texture. Consider the sheer labor involved. This was not a quick process; each impression required considerable time and skill. The image of Dürer himself is framed by an inscription, emphasizing his status as a "Pictor Eminentissimus" - a most eminent painter. The print functioned as a calling card, a way for Dürer to advertise his skills and elevate his social standing. In its time, printmaking blurred the line between art and industry, making images accessible to a wider audience. This engraving speaks to the changing role of the artist in society, where craftsmanship and commerce converged. It stands as an early example of the artist as a brand.