Walrus Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a close-up study of a marine mammals head and shoulders. The artist focused on capturing the animals distinctive features: its thick, bristly fur, prominent whiskers, and most notably, its long, curving tusks. These tusks dominate the composition, their size emphasized by their proximity to the viewer.
The rendering style suggests a scientific or observational approach. Fine lines delineate individual hairs, creating a sense of texture and volume. Shading is employed to model the form, particularly around the eyes and snout, giving them depth and character. The artist’s attention to detail extends to the depiction of wrinkles and folds in the skin beneath the fur, indicating an attempt at anatomical accuracy.
A handwritten inscription appears in the upper left corner, partially obscuring the animals ear. This text, written in a script that seems contemporary with the drawing itself, provides measurements – “11 ell long” – suggesting this is a record of a specific specimen observed by the artist. The presence of this annotation reinforces the impression of a scientific study rather than purely artistic representation.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of an animal, the work carries subtexts related to exploration and natural history. The creature itself likely represents a rare or exotic species encountered during voyages of discovery. Its inclusion in a drawing suggests a desire to document and understand the natural world, reflecting the burgeoning scientific curiosity of the period. The meticulous detail with which it is rendered implies both respect for the animal’s uniqueness and an attempt at precise classification within a growing system of knowledge.

The overall effect is one of careful observation combined with a sense of wonder at the unfamiliar.