The iridescent colours of the magnificent plumage and the impressive stance of the bird, a peacock, are reproduced with precise, almost scientific precision in this drawing – a perceptual characteristic of the 16th century and one which Albrecht Dürer took to an early pinnacle. Classified under anonymous artists in the Düsseldorf Collection since Krahe’s day, today the work is attributed to the Flemish portrait and architecture painter Nicolaus Juvenel. Along with Hans Vredeman de Vries, Juvenel introduced Dutch works of perspective to German art; in 1561 he acquired citizenship in Nuremberg. The artist’s few surviving drawings, including the work in the Düsseldorf Art Academy Collection, are signed with the monogram NI and dated. (Sonja Brink)