Exhibiting the artist's technical skill and mastery of the medium, the diminutive scale of this work contains an impressive amount of intricately detailed imagery filling the minute sheet. One of the German Little Masters, Altdorfer expresses his appreciation for humanity and nature alike.

Created c. 1513, Heinrich Aldegrever Hector Fighting the Greeks is from the series of 40 woodcuts titled 'Passional'. Documented as B.10, W.35, H.10, G.12b, this work is printed on a fine laid paper. A wonderful dark black impression, this work is in excellent condition with thread margins just along the border of the image.

Pioneering the format which many German Little Masters utilized, Altdorfer created this small-scale work which is comparable to Dürer's 'Small Passion' series. Depicting an interior scene with a hint of the exterior, the artist chose to place the figures at the bottom of the page with the majority of the scene illustrating the architecture and outdoor environment. A star shines overhead through an uncovered roof, as the solemn and somber scene plays out below. Utilizing varied tones and linear elements, this work evokes a sense of depth and volume in the small space it occupies.

Stated of the artist, "Albrecht Altdorfer was presumed to be the son of Ulrich Altdorfer, who was admitted as a citizen of Regensburg in 1478…The earliest records of Albrecht Altdorfer's artistic activity are several small illustrations prepared at Mondsee Monastery, near Salzburg about 1500. In 1505 he became a citizen of Regensburg. He probably traveled to Italy in 1510 and was appointed to the Greater Council of Regensburg in 1519. A second journey to Italy is presumed for c. 1520. Altdorfer became Mayor of Regensburg in 1528." (Geisberg xiv)

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Heinrich Aldegrever engraving Hector Fighting the Greeks is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :

1) Geisberg, Max, The German Single-Leaf Woodcut: 1500-1550, Vol I, 1974, listed as G.12b on pg 12.

About the Framing:

Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, Heinrich Aldegrever engraving Hector Fighting the Greeks is float mounted on archival white linen in an ornate Baroque inspired gold leaf frame. The swirling scalloped forms of the moulding accentuate the intricate details of this work. The speckled gold tone of the frame with a dark brown inner banding, compliments the contrasting values of this work. Completed with white linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.