The artwork titled “A Young Hare” is an exquisite example of animal painting by the renowned artist Albrecht Dürer, completed in the year 1502. This piece is a testament to the intricacy and skill of the Northern Renaissance art movement. The medium utilized for this artwork is watercolor on paper, and it boasts the dimensions of 25.1 by 22.6 centimeters. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Albertina museum located in Vienna, Austria. Dürer created this piece in Nuremberg, Germany.
“A Young Hare” showcases a single subject, the hare, rendered with meticulous attention to detail and realism. The texture of the hare’s fur is portrayed with remarkable lifelikeness, and the animal is depicted in a natural and relaxed position. The hare’s eyes have a soft gleam, suggesting the reflection of light, and its long ears stand upright, adding to the creature’s keen sense of alertness. The background is minimal, drawing all focus to the animal itself. Dürer’s finesse with watercolor is evident in the subtle gradations of color and the fine depiction of the animal’s fur, whiskers, and delicate paws. The artwork is both a study in nature and an enduring example of Dürer’s contribution to animal studies in art. The date of creation, “1502,” and Dürer’s monogram are prominently inscribed, giving historical context and authenticity to the piece.
