The artwork “Head of a Young Woman” is a portrait by Albrecht Dürer, dating back to 1520. As a renowned figure of the Northern Renaissance art movement, Dürer’s work is noted for its detailed representation and masterful technique. This particular piece is a genre of portrait and can be viewed at the British Museum in London, United Kingdom.
In this artwork, Dürer has captured the delicate features of a young woman’s face with an ethereal and gentle expression. The attention to detail is evident in the rendering of her facial features, from the subtle arch of her eyebrows to the soft gaze of her eyes, which look slightly upward. The shading around the eyes and nose gives depth to the face, and there is a touch of light illuminating her forehead and cheeks, suggesting a soft light source and contributing to the serene atmosphere of the portrait.
The woman’s hair is modestly styled, gently framing her face and tucking behind her ears, and a simple garment is suggested by the visible neckline, with a hint of texture that might indicate fur or a delicate fabric. Notably, there is a monogram and the year 1520 inscribed at the top of the drawing, which signify Dürer’s authorship and the time of creation, respectively.
This drawing showcases Dürer’s prowess in portraiture with its lifelike appearance and demonstrates the characteristics of the Northern Renaissance with its fine detail, naturalism, and individualism.
