Allegory on Social Injustice 1526

Albrecht Dürer created this allegorical print on social injustice in the early 16th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. Here, Dürer intertwines the medieval concept of the Wheel of Fortune with a pointed critique of social hierarchy. On one side, we see the figures of society—peasants, merchants, nobles, and clergy—yoked together, emphasizing the exploitation inherent in the social order. Dürer masterfully uses the imagery of the wheel, spun by Fortuna, to suggest the capriciousness of fate, while also highlighting the cyclical nature of oppression and power. Dürer’s personal beliefs likely influenced his creation. As a Nuremberg native, he experienced the rigid class structure of the Holy Roman Empire. This print reflects a profound understanding of the social dynamics of his time. It captures the anxieties and tensions of a society on the brink of significant transformation, inviting us to reflect on the ever-turning wheel of social justice.