November 7, 2024 to February 9, 2025
Presentation of original prints in the Albrecht Dürer House
The series Original Dürer! continues with original prints on the theme of coats of arms. Starting November 7, 2024, five prints and one watercolour with heraldic motifs from the The City of Nuremberg's Graphic Collection will be on display. The presentation will be open until February 9, 2025 in the Graphic Cabinet on the third floor of the Albrecht Dürer House.
Coats of arms originated in knightly tournaments. Displayed on shields, they served to identify the individuals hidden beneath their armour. In the 15th century, these tournaments gradually died out. However, anyone who wanted to show their status had their coat of arms designed by an artist. In the form of small copper engravings, they were mainly used as bookplates (ex libris).
In Nuremberg, from the 14th century onwards, master craftsmen also bore coats of arms and seals, among them Albrecht Dürer the Elder. His son, Albrecht Dürer the Younger, redesigned both. Other heraldic works by Dürer include commissioned pieces and imaginary coats of arms. The commissioned works are so-called "canting arms", as they visually hint at the family name in the shield – for example, doors (Türen) for Dürer.
Accompanying program to the exhibition:
Guided Tour "The Coats of Arms Speak: The Language of Arms"
- Cost:
- Apart from the museum admission, no further costs are incurred.