Young Hare 1502

Albrecht Dürer captured this "Young Hare" in 1502 with watercolor and body color on paper. The hare, often a symbol of fertility and vulnerability, takes on a new life here. For centuries, across various cultures, the hare has been associated with lunar cycles, rebirth, and the rhythms of nature. Consider the hare's symbolism in ancient Roman art, where it was linked to the goddess Venus, or its role in folklore as a trickster figure. In Dürer’s rendering, the hare’s lifelike presence evokes a sense of empathy. The careful observation and rendering of its fur, the light in its eyes—these details engage us on a deeply emotional level. This humble animal, immortalized in art, transcends its symbolic weight. This reflects a cyclical return to primal connections. From ancient mythologies to contemporary interpretations, the hare retains its capacity to symbolize our fears, hopes, and understanding of the natural world.