Het Gevoel

About this artwork

hoogte 6,7 cm x breedte 9,2 cm x gewicht 57 gr

Art Historical Context

"Het Gevoel" (The Sense of Touch), crafted by the Nuremberg artist Peter Flötner around 1525–1550, is a delicate lead sculpture measuring just 6.7 cm high by 9.2 cm wide and weighing 57 grams. Flötner, a versatile Renaissance figure active in Germany, was renowned for his intricate designs in metal, wood, and stone, blending Northern Gothic traditions with emerging Italian Renaissance influences. This petite piece exemplifies his skill in small-scale metalwork, likely produced as a cast object for private contemplation or display in affluent homes. Lead as a medium was practical for such intimate sculptures—malleable yet durable, allowing for fine details without the expense of bronze. During the early 16th century in Nuremberg, a hub of artistic innovation alongside masters like Albrecht Dürer, Flötner contributed to the era's fascination with allegorical themes, including the five senses. "Het Gevoel," with its evocative title, invites viewers to ponder tactile experience, reflecting the humanist curiosity of the Renaissance. Though modest in size, this work highlights the artistry of portable metal objects, cherished by collectors for their craftsmanship and symbolic depth. A testament to Flötner's enduring legacy, it bridges everyday sensation with profound cultural resonance.

About the Artist

Peter Flötner · 1485–1546

Peter Flötner (c. 1485–1546) was a German sculptor, ornament designer, and medalist whose work played a central role in the transmission of Italian Renaissance decorative vocabulary into the German-speaking lands. Though his exact origins remain uncertain — he may have trained in Augsburg before settling permanently in Nuremberg around 1522 — his formation evidently included exposure to Italian Re...