The Abduction of Proserpine on a Unicorn

This is one of only six experiments by Dürer in the early art of etching and, reflecting the roots of that technique in armor decoration, is made on an uncompromising iron (rather than copper) plate. The composition, with its insistent linear background competing with the calligraphic freedom of the principal figures, represents Dürer's most mature printmaking style and his efforts to achieve an overall tonal unity.