The Large Turf (1503) by Albrecht Durer

The Large Turf - Albrecht Durer - 1503

Artwork Information

TitleThe Large Turf
ArtistAlbrecht Durer
Date1503
Mediumwatercolor
Dimensions40.8 x 31.5 cm
Art MovementNorthern Renaissance
Current LocationAlbertina, Vienna, Austria
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About The Large Turf

Albrecht Durer’s Great Piece of Turf is a watercolor painting, created in 1503, which is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces in realistic nature studies. The painting depicts a seemingly disorganized group of wild plants, including dandelion and greater plantain, and is an artfully contrived snapshot showing an apparently arbitrary selection of wild plants. Durer used watercolor and gouache on paper to create the image, with a broad range of natural and soft colors, predominantly various shades of green.

Durer’s painting consists of both the sprawling roots of the grass and what grows above the surface. Painted with an extraordinary level of detail and precision, he is hailed as a keen observer and renowned Renaissance man with a wide range of interests and artistic accomplishments. The Great Piece of Turf is regarded as a finely crafted image of nature, with Durer’s passion for precision and attention to detail creating a breathtaking portrayal of the plants he encountered.

Overall, Durer’s attention to detail and ability to capture nature’s intricacy in a watercolor masterpiece make The Great Piece of Turf a superb work of art. His artwork is among the few that enthusiasts consider representational yet beautifully done. It’s a snapshot of the environmental environment and an illustration of Durer’s ability to create breathtaking, realistic artwork.

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