DÜRER Albrecht (Nüremberg 1471 1528) - "The Men's Bath". 1497. Engraved wood. Signed with the artist's monogram in the lower center of the composition. Reference: Bartsch, no. 128. Meder, no. 266. Proof with margins, on strong laid paper (watermark not identified). Printed in the 18th century. One of the best known representations of the bath from the 16th century. This woodcut was published shortly after a decree in 1496 closed the public baths in Dürer's home town of Nuremberg due to an epidemic of syphilis. It may therefore be a protest against the edict, or perhaps a nostalgic look back at the idyllic bathing activities of days gone by? 47 x 34 cm. Condition B (rare short tears and small folds in the good margins).