Cleveland Museum of Art

The Promenade

Albrecht DürerLinkedCulture matchlcp-91cf98b472c5

Date

c. 1497

Medium

engraving

Culture

Germany

Department

Prints

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Object ID

130372

Balancing an hourglass on his head, Death stalks this fashionable couple strolling in the countryside. When Dürer created this print, figures of Death were moral reminders that life was brief, and they were also associated with the dangers of carnal desire. The improper placement of the man’s sword betrays his dishonorable intentions, while the woman’s bonnet signifies her married status. Their liaison is not innocent, but one of sinful infidelity. As if to reinforce the uncertain status of this couple, Albrecht Dürer portrayed the woman stepping on the hem of her gown.

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