DÜRER Albrecht (Nürnberg 1471 † 1528) - "The men's bath". 1497. Original wood. Signed with the artist's monogram below in the centre of the composition. Proof on thin laid paper. Reference: Bartsch, no. 128. Meder, no. 266. Late edition. One of the best known representations of the bath in the 16th century. This woodcut was published shortly after a decree of 1496 closed the public baths in Dürer's hometown Nuremberg due to a syphilis epidemic. So it may be a protest against the edict, or perhaps a nostalgic look back at the idyllic bathing activities of the past days? 39.5 x 28.8 cm. Condition B/C (Two long horizontal printing folds, tears and small lacks restored, lower right corner redone).