Albrecht Dürer, a prominent figure of the Northern Renaissance, created a miniature titled “Draft for a book sign lion” in 1513. The artwork forms part of the collection at the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin in Germany. Dürer’s piece is a reflection of the intricate detailing and craftsmanship associated with the Northern Renaissance movement.
In the artwork, we observe a dramatic circular design that features a winged lion in the center, which is a common representation of St. Mark, one of the four evangelists. Surrounding the lion are ornate ribbons and a banner with the Latin inscription “FORTES FORTVNA IVVAT,” translating to “Fortune favors the brave” in English. The lion itself holds a shield bearing a pattern of fleur-de-lis, and its wings spread out to fill the space within the circular frame. The drawing showcases Dürer’s precision and skill in creating detailed work, employing fine lines and careful shading. The year “1513” is inscribed at the bottom, marking the creation date of the piece.
