The artwork “Coat Of Arms With Lion And Rooster” is an engraving by Albrecht Dürer from the year 1500. Dürer was a celebrated artist of the Northern Renaissance, and this work falls within that movement. Keeping in line with his expertise in design, this piece was probably created for a personal or family emblem, and it is part of a private collection.
The engraving depicts a detailed and embellished coat of arms featuring a lion and a rooster. The lion, an ancient symbol of bravery and nobility, is positioned on the shield, standing upright with one of its paws raised, as if in the midst of an action or challenge, capturing movement within the still image. The creature’s mane and tail are depicted with precise, textured lines that show Dürer’s skill in conveying the wildness and elegance of the animal’s features.
Above the shield, a rooster stands assertively on the helmet, a traditional symbol of vigilance due to its association with the dawn and awakening. The rooster is illustrated with similar attention to texture and realism, particularly visible in the feathers and the confident stance.
The shield and helmet are surrounded by acanthus leaves and other decorative flourishes that are characteristic of the ornate designs of the Northern Renaissance. Even these elements are rendered with a high level of detail and depth, showcasing Dürer’s mastery of engraving techniques. The combination of symbolic animals with intricate decorative elements creates a heraldic design that’s both representative and artistic.
Albrecht Dürer’s monogram “AD” can be spotted at the bottom right of the engraving, serving as his signature mark. This assures the authentication of the piece and indicates the artist’s proud ownership of his work. The artwork remains a testament to Dürer’s considerable talent and his remarkable ability to infuse life and meaning into a heraldic emblem.
