Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is a print by the Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This is a black-and-white engraving of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a ruffled collar.
This is a black-and-white engraving of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a ruffled collar. His face is serious, with a strong jawline and deep-set eyes. The lines are precise, showing folds in his clothing and the texture of his hat.
The text at the top confirms this is a self-portrait by the artist himself. It was made in 1530, which fits the Renaissance style.
Look up Renaissance to see how this style shaped art across Europe.
Overview
Self-Portrait is a 1530 engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work is a black-and-white self-depiction of the artist, characterized by precise lines and detailed textures.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Aldegrever himself, portrayed with a serious expression, strong jawline, and deep-set eyes. His attire, including a wide-brimmed hat and ruffled collar, reflects the attire of his time. The inscription confirms the self-portrait attribution.
Technique & Style
Executed with precise lines, the engraving showcases detailed renderings of fabric folds and hat texture. The overall style aligns with Renaissance principles, evident in its realism and attention to detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1530, the engraving's provenance is traceable to its current holding at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
The work's 1530 creation date situates it within the Renaissance, a period that emphasized realism and individualism in art across Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
