“House by a Pond” is a landscape watercolor painting on paper by Albrecht Dürer, dating to circa 1496. The work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance art movement and is located in the British Museum in London, United Kingdom. Dürer is renowned for his remarkable attention to detail and precision, traits which are evident in this artwork.
The painting depicts a picturesque scene with a prominent two-story house, featuring a steep roof and a chimney, situated on an island surrounded by a tranquil pond. The house’s reflection is meticulously captured in the still water, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the scene. Grass and bushes grow lush around the edges of the island and along the banks, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape. A boat is docked on the near shore, and ducks are visible in the foreground, suggesting the presence of wildlife and a connection to rural life. The backdrop exhibits a moody sky with dynamic cloud formations, possibly indicating weather changes or the time of day, enriching the narrative of the artwork. The watercolor medium allows for a vibrant interplay of colors, creating a harmonious and atmospheric portrayal of the natural setting.
