Dürer Variation 1966

Frederick Sommer made this gelatin silver print, Dürer Variation, in the 20th century. It presents us with a complex tapestry of figures and architectural elements, reminiscent of the dense, allegorical scenes favored by artists like Dürer. Observe how Sommer pulls figures and shapes, motifs of human triumph and suffering across time. The archway, a symbol of transition and passage, recurs throughout art history, from triumphal Roman arches to Renaissance paintings of the Annunciation. Here, it suggests an entry into a deeper, perhaps subconscious, realm. Note, too, the chaotic assembly of figures, their faces etched with emotion. The psychological weight of the image is palpable. It speaks to the collective memory of human experience. Symbols are never static. They reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting the ever-changing currents of history and culture.