The Offer of Love (or the Ill-Assorted Couple)

Dürer’s early engraving of "unequal lovers" plays on a prevalent theme in northern European art in which a young woman seduces a much older man in order to steal his money. Dürer departed from standard representations of the subject and portrayed the male figure in his engraving as a willing participant, paying for the services he’s about to receive. Although scenes of unequal lovers often carry moralizing messages about the dangers of women, the idyllic setting of this image and the seemingly familiar transaction between prostitute and patron suggest a more complex situation beyond simple carnal desire.

A square-format print in black ink depicts a bearded man and a woman sitting on a grassy slope. On our right, the man wears a fur-trimmed tunic, resting an arm around the woman. She wears a patterned headdress and a long, draped dress, looking at him. Behind them, a saddled horse stands among trees. In the background, a castle overlooks water and a boat. Below, the monogram "AD" is inscribed.

The Offer of Love (or the Ill-Assorted Couple)

1495–96

Albrecht Dürer

(German, 1471–1528)

Germany, late 15th Century

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork

Artwork Page for The Offer of Love (or the Ill-Assorted Couple)

Details / Information for The Offer of Love (or the Ill-Assorted Couple)