The artwork titled “Two squirrels” by Albrecht Dürer, dating back to 1492, is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This animal painting was created using watercolor as its medium and is housed in the Albertina museum in Vienna, Austria.
The painting depicts two squirrels, one facing away from the viewer with its back turned, displaying a fluffy tail and a distinctive red collar, while the other is positioned at a three-quarter angle, its attention focused on a small object between its paws. The second squirrel exhibits rich brown and rust hues in its fur, with intricate detailing that conveys a soft texture. Both creatures are set against a plain background, which serves to highlight their form and the meticulous brushwork that captures their essence. Around them are scattered nuts and shells, adding to the naturalistic representation. The subtleties of their fur, the careful rendering of their paws, and the dynamic contrast between the two forms showcase Dürer’s skilled use of watercolor and his keen observation of nature.
