The Ill-Assorted Couple

Art Institute of Chicago

The Ill-Assorted Couple

Albrecht DürerLinkedCulture matchlcp-6cf5b58b91f0

Date
c. 1496
Medium
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
Culture
Germany
Department
Prints and Drawings
Institution
Art Institute of Chicago
Object ID
36748

From the Art Institute of Chicago record

The intersection of commerce with the seamy side of love inspired this secular Dürer engraving. The title refers to the difference in age between two would-be lovers, here seated outside in an intentionally isolated spot. In this popular Renaissance genre, lascivious elderly men attempt to grope beautiful courtesans who hold out for a second purse or steal the rest of their conquest’s belongings. Alternately, toothless crones stroke young men who hope to inherit everything on becoming widowers. Love is on offer to the highest bidder in a mercenary transaction that is anything but courtly.

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Credit line
The Joseph Brooks Fair Collection

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Object type
AAT300041273

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