The First Knot (Interlace Pattern with White Medallion)
before 1521
Classification
ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1944-37-1-a
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528), a master of the German Renaissance, created this captivating ornamental work titled "The First Knot (Interlace Pattern with White Medallion)" before 1521. Known for his detailed engravings, woodcuts, and paintings, Dürer brought scientific precision and intellectual depth to art, exploring proportion, perspective, and decorative harmony. This piece, featuring an elaborate interlace pattern around a white medallion, showcases his skill in turning geometric forms into elegant, visually compelling designs. In the early 16th century, such ornaments bridged fine art and craftsmanship, serving as models for decoration in various media while reflecting Renaissance ideals of order and beauty. Dürer's work helped elevate these patterns, blending Northern European traditions with broader humanist influences of his era. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and acquired through the gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, this artwork offers a window into Dürer's creative process. It invites visitors to appreciate the lasting elegance of Renaissance ornamental design and the artist's role in shaping European visual culture.