Melencolia I

1514

Engraving

238 × 185 mm

Elischer collection

Because of the depicted enigmatic objects alluding to geometry, astrology and architecture, as well as due to its complex system of symbols, this famous engraving led scholars to contrive many diverse interpretations. The title refers to the theory of the four humours. In the Middle Ages, the melancholic temperament was regarded the least favourable, partly for the predominance of black bile and partly for the detrimental influence of the planet Saturn. Following Aristotle, the Neoplatonists of Florence reinterpreted this temperament and emphasised its positive features. In accordance with Aristotle, they thought that such people of eminence as philosophers, poets, and visual artists were essentially melancholic, and considered the temperament a dangerous but privileged trait of the artist. Dürer’s engraving follows this idea in interpreting Melancholy as the distinguishing trait of the artist endowed with genius.