The artwork “Head of a boy” by Albrecht Dürer is an exemplar of the Northern Renaissance art movement, specifically within the genre of portraiture. Dürer was renowned for his high degree of technical skill and his profound impact on European art.
This particular piece portrays the detailed and sensitive likeness of a young boy. The artwork is monochromatic, executed through fine, precise lines that capture the subtle variations of light and shadow on the boy’s face. The boy’s gaze is directed slightly upward, his eyes filled with an intense and contemplative expression, as if lost in thought. The details of the hair and the soft rendering of the boy’s facial features reflect Dürer’s masterful draftsmanship and his ability to convey texture and emotion through simple yet powerful strokes. The delicate shading and the unfinished state of certain areas, such as the hair, give the drawing a sense of immediacy and impromptu creation.
