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Young Hare
Albrecht Dürer · Renaissance & Mannerism
- Artist
- Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528)
- Date
- 1502
- Dimensions
- 25 x 22.5 cm
- Medium
- Watercolour and bodycolour on paper
- Location
- Albertina, Vienna, Austria
Albrecht Dürer’s Young Hare, painted in watercolour in 1502, is one of the most famous nature studies ever made. A hare crouches on the bare ground, ears raised, looking slightly to one side.
A closer look
Dürer built up the fur with thousands of fine brushstrokes, some following the direction of the hair, others picking out the white tips that catch the light. A reflection of a window can be seen in the animal’s eye, suggesting he worked from a live or freshly caught hare in his studio. With no background or setting, the study is a pure act of observation, made for his own use rather than for sale.
History of the painting
The watercolour belongs to the Albertina in Vienna, one of the world's great collections of drawings, founded by Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen in the late 18th century. Because watercolour on paper fades quickly in light, the original is shown only rarely, for a few months every several years, and a facsimile usually takes its place. Each time it goes on display, crowds come to see the famous hare.
More by Albrecht Dürer
In this gallery
Famous works elsewhere
- Melencolia I 1514
- The Four Apostles 1526
- Adoration of the Magi 1504
- Feast of the Rosary 1506
- Praying Hands 1500