The Adoration of the Holy Trinity (Landauer Altar) 1511

Albrecht Durer created "The Adoration of the Holy Trinity" panel painting around 1511 using oil on wood. Durer, a master printmaker, applied the same level of detail and care to this painting, evident in the texture of the wood support, visible beneath the paint layers. Oil paints were prepared by grinding dry pigment powders and mixing them with linseed oil to produce a smooth, workable paste. Durer built up layers of color to achieve a remarkable level of detail and realism. The frame is an integral part of the artwork and made by a separate workshop specializing in wood carving, joining and gilding. This reflects a workshop system, which divides labor between the artist and other skilled artisans. The gilding demonstrates a specialized skill requiring meticulous application of gold leaf over a prepared surface. The scale of the work involved in the production process highlights the economic conditions that supported artistic production in Durer’s time. By considering the materials, making and context, we can appreciate the intricate combination of art and craft that is central to understanding this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.