The artwork titled “A Nuremberg Costume Study” was created by the artist Albrecht Dürer in 1500. This piece is executed in watercolor and belongs to the period known as the Northern Renaissance. With its focus on design, the piece provides an intricate look into the clothing and style of Nuremberg during the time of its creation.
The image portrays a woman in profile, dressed in traditional attire of the era and region. She wears a long, flowing gown with what appears to be an underdress and overgown, which is accentuated at the waist to emphasize her silhouette. The gown has intricate details that suggest layers and texture, evocative of the fashion at the time. One of the most distinctive features of her costume is the elaborate headwear that wraps around her head and chin, giving a sense of the social propriety and style in head-dressing during the Northern Renaissance. It’s evident that Dürer paid close attention to the details of the costume, including the folds of the fabric and the ornamentation, which suggests that this work was not only a study of costume but also an appreciation of contemporary fashion.
The precision in the lines and the care in rendering the fabric’s drape reflect Dürer’s skillful hand and his interest in capturing the nuance and texture of his subject. His monogram, “AD”, can be seen at the bottom right of the drawing, confirming his authorship of this meticulous study.
