The Arms of the Empire and of Nuremberg
Original title: The Arms of the Empire and of Nuremberg
kurzbeschreibung
Albrecht Dürer's 1521 woodcut, titled "The Arms of the Empire and of Nuremberg," presents two female figures raising crowns aloft, surrounded by angels, with an eagle and two shields below. Heraldic devices merge with an allegorical scene of justice, as the inscription "SANCTA IUSTICIA" in the upper section makes clear.
Description
Two female figures stand at the center, each carrying a crown in her hands. Angels bearing further crowns hover around them. Below this group, an eagle holds two shields with coats of arms. At the top one reads "SANCTA IUSTICIA." The figures and angels are arranged in motion, with clouds and wings underscoring the rhythm. Black and white stand in strong contrast, as is characteristic of the woodcut.
Context
Dürer made this print in 1521, a year after his journey to the Netherlands, which brought him many commissions. It belongs to the context of the Holy Roman Empire, in which Nuremberg played a weighty role as an imperial city. Justice (SANCTA IUSTICIA) points to the city's legal and political significance. Dürer was then at the height of his powers and often worked for municipal and imperial patrons.
Impact
Clear lines and a considered structure give the print a solemn, dignified presence. Heraldic devices and allegorical figures come together, bringing out the power and justice of the Empire. The movement of the angels and the clouds contribute to a heavenly, exalted mood.
Technique
Dürer's incised lines vary in width and spacing to build tone, with dense parallel hatching creating deep shadows and open areas leaving the light paper to read as highlights. This disciplined control of line gives the figures, angels and heraldic shields their sculptural volume and keeps the monochrome composition legible despite its complexity.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)