The Tapestry at Michelfeld 1485 - 1528

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut “The Tapestry at Michelfeld” (1485-1528) depicts a scene of a man being punished by a woman. The man is held captive in a wooden structure, while the woman stands above him with a rod in her hand. The woman is holding the rod in her hand, and the man is lying on a bed of wooden planks. The woman’s weapon and the man’s posture suggest a violent act, which is emphasized by the inscription above the man’s head which reads ““We’ll never be friends” The scene is framed by a banner that reads “Ich handle der gerechtigkeit” or “I act with justice.” It is a powerful image that speaks to the power of justice. This work is part of a series of woodcuts that illustrate a morality play called “The Tapestry at Michelfeld.” This specific scene illustrates the consequences of injustice.