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Dürer Embroidery Design

A woodcut design for a knotwork embroidery pattern by Durer (pre-1521). A woodcut design for a knotwork embroidery pattern by Durer (pre-1521). Copyright Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, George Khuner Collection, Bequest of Marianne Khuner, 1984; accession number MMA 1984.1201.35.

The so-called Dürer embroidery design is a knotwork embroidery pattern apparently developed by the German artist Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Knotwork was very popular in sixteenth century Europe and included the interlacing of one or more bands, straps or threads in such a way as to create a decorative effect. It was probably used for textiles and decorative needlework.

In the woodcut example illustrated here, the main pattern is circular in shape. The straps are used to form six-pointed stars, with a large one in the middle surrounded by six smaller ones. In each of the ‘corners’ are leaf-shaped ornaments that extend beyond the main circle. According to the Metropolitan Museum’s information, this design was perhaps based on a pattern created by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) or from his workshop.

Sources:

GVE

Last modified on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 16:48