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The Mens Bath House, c. 1496-1497. Creator: Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528)
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The Mens Bath House, c. 1496-1497. Creator: Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528)
The Mens Bath House, c. 1496-1497. The Mens Bath House could be a simple genre scene or be interpreted as an allegory. The bathers could represent the four temperaments, each of whom is undergoing an appropriate purgative treatment: for melancholic gloom, the figure leaning on the post at the left listens to music; for phlegmatic sluggishness, the figure at the right drinks wine; for choleric cruelty, the figure in the left foreground will rub himself with a scraping knife; and for sanguine sensuality, the figure in the right foreground inhales the fragrance of a flower. Durer produced many large woodcuts in the 1490s that had striking pictorial effects. Several of these are secular in content, reflecting a growing public interest in nonreligious subjects. A bath house was a fairly common image at the time but Durer has treated the scene with great originality. He represented the male figure at different ages and in contrasting positions, a theme with which he was then preoccupied. The outdoor setting is unusual and allows for a landscape background which adds a sense of deep space
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Media ID 19645047
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1471 1528 Albrecht Durer Albrecht Dürer German Late 15th
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The Mens Bath House, c. 1496-1497
EDITORS COMMENTS
by Albrecht Dürer is a captivating print that offers both a glimpse into the daily life of the Renaissance era and a deeper allegorical meaning. In this scene, Dürer presents us with four bathers, each representing one of the four temperaments. The figure on the left embodies melancholic gloom and seeks solace in music, leaning against a post while listening intently. On the right, we see a phlegmatic bather indulging in wine to combat sluggishness. In contrast, the figure in the left foreground engages in an intense purgative treatment for choleric cruelty as he rubs himself with a scraping knife. Lastly, symbolizing sanguine sensuality, the figure on the right foreground inhales deeply from a fragrant flower. Dürer's genius lies not only in his portrayal of these temperaments but also in his original treatment of this common theme. The artist depicts male figures at different ages and positions within an outdoor setting rarely seen during that time period. This unique choice allows for a breathtaking landscape background that adds depth to the composition. As one of many secular works produced by Dürer during this period, "The Mens Bath House" reflects society's growing interest in nonreligious subjects. With striking pictorial effects achieved through large woodcuts, Dürer captivates viewers with his artistic prowess and ability to convey complex ideas through visual storytelling. (Photo Print: Heritage Art/Heritage Images)
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