The “Monstrous Hog of Landser” is an engraving created by the artist Albrecht Dürer in 1496, during the Northern Renaissance. This mythological painting is considered a part of this significant art movement that emphasized detailed works and a revival of classical learning in Europe. The medium used for this piece is engraving, and although it was created over 500 years ago, the whereabouts of the original artwork is listed as being in a private collection.
In the “Monstrous Hog of Landser,” Dürer depicts a large, grotesque creature that appears to be a form of a wild boar, but with several abnormal features. The hog stands at the center of the scene, noticeable for its disproportionately oversized head and snout, and the small, misshapen ears. The animal’s body is heavy, and its limbs are curiously twisted, with the right front leg significantly raised as if it is striding forward or has been captured mid-movement.
In the background, there is a contrasting scenic depiction of a tranquil landscape. A fortified town is visible with elaborate towers and gatehouses, nestled among trees. Beyond the town are gently rolling hills leading to distant mountains. The presence of the hog in the foreground juxtaposes against the calmness of the background, adding an element of tension or disturbance to the otherwise peaceful setting.
The engraving is heavily detailed, with fine lines providing texture to the fur of the hog and the foliage surrounding it. The monogram of Albrecht Dürer, “AD,” is noticeable in the foreground along with the date of the artwork, anchoring the piece in its historical context. As a mythological work, the engraving may elicit themes of allegory, superstition, or moral lessons typical of the Northern Renaissance—periods in which artists often used symbolism and myth to communicate ideas and narratives.
