Elisabet Krelerin

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of, this intimate bronze medal titled *Elisabet Kre* measures just 5.2 cm in, making it a pocket-sized masterpiece. Attributed to the renowned Albrecht Dürer and dated to the 19th century, it exemplifies the enduring appeal of Renaissance-style portrait medals—small-scale sculptures that functioned like wearable art, often exchanged as gifts or tokens of prestige. Dürer's influence shines through in the medal's classification as a sculptural work, blending the precision of his graphic mastery with the three-dimensional depth of bronze casting. These medals, popular in European courts, captured likenesses on the obverse while sometimes featuring symbolic reverses, highlighting personal identity and status. Though produced in the 19th century, this piece reflects a revival of interest in Renaissance techniques, where intricate detailing in low relief brought historical figures like Elisabet Krelerin to life. Visitors will appreciate its tactile charm: hold it up to the light, and the bronze's warm patina reveals subtle modeling that speaks to centuries of artistic tradition. A testament to Dürer's legacy, it invites us to ponder the lives of those immortalized in metal.

About the Artist

Albrecht Dürer · 1471–1528

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) stands as the preeminent figure of the Northern Renaissance and arguably the most influential artist in the history of printmaking. Born in Nuremberg on May 21, 1471, and dying in the same city on April 6, 1528, Dürer revolutionized the status of the artist in Northern Europe, transforming printmaking from a commercial craft into an independent fine art and establishing ...