The artwork titled “Apostle” is the creation of the German artist Albrecht Dürer, dated to around 1523. This religious painting falls within the Northern Renaissance art movement, showcasing the period’s characteristic attention to detail and interest in religious subject matter.
The image itself is a drawing that captures the figure of an apostle in a side profile. The character is depicted with notable detail, showcasing Dürer’s mastery in conveying textures and folds in clothing, as well as the facial expression and hair. The apostle’s facial features are rendered with care, indicating a focus on individuality and conveying a sense of thoughtful contemplation or concern. He is clothed in robes that drape heavily around his body, demonstrating Dürer’s skill in rendering the play of light and shadow on fabric.
The drawing employs a relatively limited range of tones, emphasizing the line work typical of Dürer’s drawing style. His monogram, the recognizable ‘AD’, can be seen in the bottom right of the image, marking his authorship of the piece. The apostle appears to hold a long, thin object, possibly a staff or a part of a crucifix, which aligns with the religious theme of the piece.
Albrecht Dürer was known for his exquisite draftsmanship, and this drawing is a profound example of his ability to imbue a simple media with depth and character, a hallmark of the Northern Renaissance.
