The artwork titled “Nemesis (The Great Fortune)” was created by Albrecht Dürer between 1501 and 1503. This piece is an engraving and is associated with the Northern Renaissance art movement. It falls within the genre of mythological painting and, as of the time of knowledge cutoff, is held in a private collection.
The image presents a detailed and finely crafted engraving depicting a winged female figure standing on a sphere held aloft by clouds. This figure, representing Nemesis or Fortuna, is portrayed as a well-proportioned nude with large, spread wings, and she is seen in three-quarter profile looking over her right shoulder. In her right hand, she holds a chalice with a small figure inside, indicative of the fortunes she distributes, while her left hand carries a bridle and she is covered partially by drapery.
The viewer’s eye is drawn to the intricate textures and to the detailed landscape set out below Nemesis, which highlights Dürer’s skill and the characteristics of the Northern Renaissance with its focus on realism and attention to detail. The landscape shows a panoramic view of a valley with a small town complete with buildings, trees, a winding river, and distant mountains, suggesting the interplay between human civilization and the forces of fortune and destiny.
