Artwork

Albrecht Altdorfer

Albrecht Altdorfer, by Unknown 16th Century, ink, 1550
Albrecht Altdorfer, by Unknown 16th Century, ink, 1550

Albrecht Altdorfer is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Unknown 16th Century. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This engraving on laid paper is a portrait by Albrecht Altdorfer, a notable artist of his time. The work is a black-and-white representation of a bearded man.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a bearded man in a round frame, wearing a dark robe with a high collar. His hand rests on his chest, and he gazes steadily forward. The simplicity of the background emphasizes the subject.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved shading through cross-hatching, a technique involving layered lines. The background's textured appearance is a result of this method, demonstrating Altdorfer's skill with engraving.

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.