“From this [drawing], the treasure secretly gathered in your heart will become evident through your creative work.”
– Albrecht Dürer
While searching for images for another post, I came across this painting by Albrecht Dürer. A Great Piece of Turf, painted by the artist in Nuremberg, Germany in 1503 is widely considered to be his masterpiece and it is a remarkable piece of realistic painting. Durer is quoted as saying “Truly art is firmly fixed in Nature. He who can extract her thence, he alone has her.”
I have always thought that botanical painting would be interesting to study and practice, but I am generally put off by what I see as rigidity in the discipline. The reality is that this is what appeals to me immensely and I am pleased to add to my knowledge of art history by becoming aware of the ‘realistic’ paintings of Albrecht Dürer.
I also think it proves an undeniable fact; weeds are in the eye of the beholder.
Check out a few more of his amazing images.
I have a framed reproduction of the Hare, a copy of #1502. It is one of my favs.
‘A Great Piece of Turf’ looks a great deal like much of my turf, including going-to-seed ryegrass planted for winter green and soil improvement.
I love that his idea of a great piece of turf includes a dandelion and plantain, among other things we modern Americans would consider horrid in turf!
I’ve never been able to decide which I love more: Durer’s nature paintings, or his grim black and white work.
love this post, a bit of garden interest with art history!
Ah…
*sweet sigh*
I love his stuff.
That’s been my wallpaper at work for years.