Fortune 1495

Albrecht Durer made this engraving, "Fortune," sometime around 1500, though the exact date is unknown. Look at the figure of the goddess, Fortuna. She is perched precariously on a sphere. Durer’s technical skill is evident in the complex cross-hatching, which models the figure and creates a sense of depth within the monochromatic palette. See how the lines create a contrast between light and shadow? This directs our eye to the sensuous curve of her back and the flowing drapery. The composition, though seemingly classical, destabilizes traditional representations of virtue and beauty. Fortuna, as a symbol of chance and luck, embodies instability. Her nudity and the precariousness of her stance suggest the fleeting nature of earthly favor. The artwork serves as a commentary on human existence. It reflects how people are at the mercy of unpredictable forces.