Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1521.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Albrecht Dürer , 1521

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s *Portrait of a Man* dates to 1521 and is executed in oil on canvas. The work belongs to the portrait tradition of the Northern Renaissance and is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection. It presents a solitary figure rendered with the precision for which Dürer is renowned, reflecting his mature style in the early sixteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is depicted in a dark, fur‑trimmed coat, his head shaded by a broad‑brimmed hat that partially obscures his features. He holds a rolled document, suggesting a letter or official paper of some significance. The plain, dark backdrop isolates the figure, directing attention to his expression and the implied importance of the written object.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs a strong contrast of light and shadow to model the face, a technique known as chiaroscuro, which gives the portrait a three‑dimensional presence. Fine brushwork defines the texture of the fur lining and the crispness of the white collar, while the subdued background enhances the tonal range of the central figure.

History & Provenance

Created during the later phase of Dürer’s career, the painting reflects his continued engagement with courtly patronage, notably his connections to Emperor Maximilian I. It entered the Museo del Prado’s holdings in the twentieth century, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Northern Renaissance collection.

Context

The portrait aligns with Dürer’s broader interest in individual likenesses and his dialogue with contemporary Italian artists, whose influence he absorbed during his travels. By 1521, Dürer had established a reputation across Europe, and this work exemplifies his synthesis of German detail with emerging Renaissance ideals of realism and psychological depth.