The sketch “Perspectivist study” by Albrecht Dürer, created around 1502-1504, is an example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This piece is known for being a study, focusing on the use of perspective in drawing. It is currently housed at the Kunsthalle Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany.
In the artwork provided, we see a measured architectural study that illustrates Dürer’s exploration of perspective. On the left, the drawing includes a series of construction lines forming an arc, with individual points marked along its curve, suggesting a meticulous approach to geometry and perspective. Additionally, the arc seems to relate to the archway depicted on the right, which is a part of a larger ruin or building façade. This archway is rendered in a realistic manner, emphasizing the artist’s skill in creating depth and three-dimensionality on a flat surface. The bricks and stonework of the structure are carefully drawn, with attention to detail that conveys the texture and solidity of the material.
Dürer has also included some smaller sketches, such as the two figures shown in the bottom center of the page, which seem to be studies of drapery or clothing. These elements demonstrate Dürer’s comprehensive approach to understanding form and structure in his works, as he applies the principles of perspective not only to architecture but also to the human figure and other details within his compositions.
