Mountain Landscape 1510 - 1525

Erhard Altdorfer made this landscape with etching, a printmaking technique, at some point in the 16th century. The scene depicts a towering mountain range in Southern Germany or Austria. Consider how the visual elements, such as the rugged peaks, the dense forests, and the small village nestled in the valley, convey a sense of the sublime power of nature. In the 16th century, landscape prints played a crucial role in shaping cultural identities, particularly in regions like Germany. Altdorfer's work presents an idealized vision, emphasizing the picturesque qualities of the landscape, and possibly evoking a sense of national pride, too. Analyzing Altdorfer's “Mountain Landscape” shows how art historians study the social and cultural contexts in which art is produced and consumed. By examining maps, literature, and historical records, we can better understand how the landscapes reflected and shaped cultural values and social relations during the period.