The artwork “Apostle” by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1523, is a drawing from the Northern Renaissance period and belongs to the genre of sketch and study. It is part of Dürer’s “Study of the ‘Four Apostles'” series. The piece exemplifies the artist’s attention to detail and mastery of form typical of the Northern Renaissance style.
In the drawing, the apostle is depicted in profile view, looking to the left side of the frame. His facial features are sharply defined, with a prominent nose, a furrowed brow, and a beard that falls onto his chest. He is clothed in heavy drapery that envelops his body, creating a sense of volume and depth through the meticulous rendering of folds. The apostle’s left hand is visible, clutching the hilt of a sword that extends upwards, parallel to his body, though the blade’s tip extends beyond the upper edge of the composition. The drawing showcases Dürer’s skill in rendering textures and form with fine shaded lines and careful hatching, while a monogram and date in the upper right corner reaffirm the work’s authenticity and historical context. The attention to detail and anatomical precision reflect Dürer’s profound interest in human proportions and classical representation of figures.
