Albrecht Dürer, the famed German Renaissance artist, is known for his exceptional technical skill and detailed copper-plate engravings. One of his masterpieces, the engraving titled Knight, Death and the Devil from 1513, has recently resurfaced and is set to go up for auction. The print was discovered over a decade ago by an 11-year-old boy named Mat Winter, who found it at a local dump.
When Winter approached Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, with the print earlier this year, Spencer was initially skeptical. However, upon examining the print, Spencer was amazed by its quality and authenticity. He recognized it as the work of Dürer himself, based on the paper type and the exceptional level of detail in the engraving.
The print depicts a knight on horseback, accompanied by death and a devil-like figure. It is part of Dürer’s Meisterstiche, or master engravings, and is considered a significant piece of his artistic legacy. The print’s value is estimated to be over $26,000, but in pristine condition, it could fetch much more at auction.
Winter, who has always had an eye for antiques, has kept the print tucked away in a cupboard for the past 13 years. Recently deciding to have it evaluated, Winter and Spencer sought a second opinion from experts at the British Museum. A small scratch on the print, which matched a known flaw in Dürer’s original plate, confirmed its authenticity.
Spencer describes the print as one of the most important he has ever come across, noting its exceptional clarity and contrasts. While the print has some damage from being pasted down on a mount in the past, its overall quality is still impressive. Spencer believes that in excellent condition, the print could command a price close to £200,000.
The online auction for Winter’s print of Knight, Death and the Devil is set to conclude on September 18. Collectors and art enthusiasts alike are eager to see this rare and valuable piece of Dürer’s work find a new home.
