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Young woman attacked by death. (The Ravisher), c.1495. Creator: Dürer, Albrecht (1471-1528)
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Young woman attacked by death. (The Ravisher), c.1495. Creator: Dürer, Albrecht (1471-1528)
Young woman attacked by death. (The Ravisher), c.1495. Private Collection
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Media ID 36349481
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Albrecht 1471 1528 Drer Durer Genremythology Allegory And Literature 1495 Copper Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The haunting image of 'Young Woman Attacked by Death' (also known as 'The Ravisher of Youth' or 'Melencolia I') is a captivating engraving created by the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer around 1495. This profound work of art, now held in a private collection, is a striking representation of the inescapable nature of mortality. Dürer masterfully depicts Death as a skeletal figure, clad in a cloak, relentlessly embracing a young woman. Her expression is one of shock and despair, as she turns away from the viewer, her eyes filled with tears. The scene is set against a backdrop of melancholic symbols, including an hourglass, a shattered column, and a chessboard, alluding to the transience of life and the inevitability of change. The allegorical nature of this engraving is rooted in the classical tradition, drawing inspiration from mythology and literature. The motif of Death as a personification of the end of life was a common theme during the Renaissance, reflecting the human preoccupation with the fragility and impermanence of existence. Dürer's technical mastery is evident in the intricate details of the engraving, from the delicate lines of the woman's hair to the textured folds of Death's cloak. The contrast between the youthful vitality of the woman and the skeletal figure of Death underscores the poignant message of the artwork, serving as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. This hauntingly beautiful work of art continues to captivate audiences, inspiring awe and contemplation, and remains a testament to Dürer's enduring legacy as a master of the Renaissance period.
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