Artwork

Portrait of the artist's father

Portrait of the artist's father, by Albrecht Dürer, paint
Portrait of the artist's father, by Albrecht Dürer, paint

Portrait of the artist's father is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of the artist's father is a painting by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1600, depicting the artist's own father in a somber, contemplative pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Albrecht Dürer's father, portrayed with a serious expression, wearing a dark, hooded robe. The plain, dark background emphasizes his figure, conveying a sense of solemnity and intimacy.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed chiaroscuro, a innovative technique for his time, using strong contrasts of light and dark to sculpt the facial features and create depth, characteristic of Northern Renaissance portraiture.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. Notably, Dürer's work was influenced by connections with major Italian artists and patronage from Emperor Maximilian I, though the direct impact on this portrait is not specified.

Context

Created during the Northern Renaissance, this portrait reflects Dürer's versatility beyond his renowned woodcuts and engravings, showcasing his skill in painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.