Artwork

Albrecht Altdorfer

Albrecht Altdorfer, by Jeremias Falck, ink, 1648
Albrecht Altdorfer, by Jeremias Falck, ink, 1648

Albrecht Altdorfer is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jeremias Falck. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1648 print presents a portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer, rendered in black and white by the German engraver Jeremias Falck. The image shows a bearded figure with a solemn gaze, framed by an ornamental circular border that encloses the face.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is Altdorfer himself, a noted painter of the early Renaissance. The serious expression and dignified pose convey a sense of scholarly gravitas, reflecting the artist’s reputation as a learned practitioner of the visual arts.

Technique & Style

Falck employed a combination of etching and engraving to achieve fine lines and delicate shading. The surrounding foliage, vines, and scrollwork are executed with meticulous incisions, a decorative approach common in mid‑17th‑century portrait prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1648, the print was likely intended for circulation among collectors and patrons familiar with Altdorfer’s work. The inclusion of his name in an elaborate script above the portrait identifies the sitter and underscores the print’s function as a commemorative image.

Context

During the 1600s, portrait prints served both as records of notable individuals and as decorative objects. Falck’s rendering aligns with contemporary conventions that combined realistic likeness with ornamental borders, linking the sitter’s personal identity to broader aesthetic trends of the period.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.