The portrait “Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg” is a notable work by the German artist Albrecht Dürer, created around 1519. This piece is an example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and is categorized as a portrait. The artwork is part of the collection of the Albertina museum located in Vienna, Austria.
In this portrait, Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg is depicted from the chest up and appears to be looking off to the left side of the viewer. His facial expression is serious and contemplative. He wears a hat that looks soft and is slouched, typical of the period’s fashion. The attire is modest yet indicative of his status, featuring a high neck with a ruffled neckband and a buttoned garment that suggests a combination of functionality and formality appropriate for a person of rank. The drawing showcases Dürer’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the subject’s face, the textures of the clothing, and the soft hair waves. The signature “AD” of Albrecht Dürer is visible in the upper left corner, adding a mark of authenticity and identification to the work. The draftsmanship demonstrates Dürer’s ability to capture the character and social stature of his subjects with precision and subtlety.
