Knight, Death, and Devil. 1513.
Engraving, 9" x 7.5" (25.2 x 19.4 cm). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Durer was a famous German Renaissance painter who after visiting Venice, changed his medium to intricate detailed engravings. Germany was the home of the Protestant reformation, and therefore had a great impact on the culture and arts.

The Renaissance in the North was definitely not as bright, happy, or cheerful as the High Renaissance in Italy. Durer's deeply haunting works gained tremendous popularity and became established as the signature style of Northern Renaissance art.

The Knight's presence is a clear reference to the middle ages and chivalry. The Devil signifies the fear of evil and quest for salvation. The sign of death indicates the aftermath of the bubonic plague and years of barbaric wars throughout Europe during the medieval period.

The engraving, dark and haunting, stays indifferent to the Italian forms and ideas of the High Renaissance.