Young Hare (Feldhase)
Original master drawing; work on paper • Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528)
Style & Movement
Northern Renaissance; German School
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and bodycolor (opaque watercolor/gouache) on paper; miniaturist technique with fine-hair brushwork, white heightening, and meticulous layered stippling to simulate fur texture.
Creation Period
1502
Dimensions & Format
Original is approximately 25.1 cm x 22.6 cm; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A life-like depiction of a brown hare (Lepus europaeus) positioned in a three-quarter view. The composition emphasizes anatomical accuracy and texture, featuring an alert expression with a reflection of a window-pane in the hare's eye, suggesting an indoor studio setting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (As a reproduction: Excellent; As the original: Heavily protected due to light sensitivity). The provided image shows light glare suggesting it is a photograph of a reproduction or print.
Estimated Market Value
Priceless / Not for Sale (Original); $20–$100 (Modern Print).
Auction Estimate
N/A - This is one of the most famous drawings in art history and is a national treasure of Austria.
Provenance History
The original passed from Dürer's estate to Willibald Imhoff, then to Emperor Rudolf II. It is currently held in the permanent collection of the Albertina Museum, Vienna (Inv. 3073).
Art Historical Significance
One of the first nature studies in Western art history to treat an animal as a worthy sole subject for a masterpiece. It represents the pinnacle of observational realism and the humanist scientific curiosity of the Northern Renaissance.
Notable Features
Includes Dürer's famous 'AD' monogram and the date '1502' at the bottom (partially visible in the crop). The reflection in the eye is a hallmark of Early Modern European realism.
Condition Issues
The original work is highly sensitive to ultraviolet light; it is rarely displayed for periods longer than a few weeks every few years to prevent fading of the pigments and brittle paper.
Conservation Recommendations
For reproductions: Frame using UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.