Dürer's prints are replete with symbols. The vigorous, quick-growing plant at the left represents lust and desire, as does the sword, which Dürer places rather unambiguously between the young man's legs. The gallant is walking with his beloved - a married woman - in the countryside. Both are oblivious to Death, who lurks behind a tree in the background, holding an hourglass above his head. This is a modern, moralized version of the early 15th century theme of the Garden of Love, a memento mori and a warning against adultery. However, the moralizing tone is tinged with sadness that their love and beauty will not last.
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In addition to the catalogue description: - the upper sheet edge with various repaired tears, losses and thin spots, with associated cockling of the sheet. - an added borderline in black ink on three sides. - a short repaired paper split and hole on the skirt, just below the woman's hand, with tiny touches of pen and ink. - a tiny backed pinhole, with touches of pen and ink on the man's belly. - a few small thin spots in places, one on the man's right shoulder. Otherwise as described, mounted and unframed.
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Lot 11Sale 22904
The PromenadeALBRECHT DÜRER (1471-1528)Estimate: GBP 5,000 - 7,000
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