“Head of an African,” created by Albrecht Dürer in 1508, is a portrait that falls within the Northern Renaissance art movement. The artwork is located at the Albertina in Vienna, Austria. This drawing is representative of Dürer’s keen interest in exploring human physiognomy and diversity.
The artwork depicts the profile of an African man’s head and shoulders facing towards the right side of the paper. The man’s expression is calm and contemplative. Dürer has meticulously rendered the texture of the man’s hair and skin, demonstrating his mastery in capturing fine details and characteristics. The drawing is monochromatic, relying on the use of line and shadow to provide depth and form. Dürer’s sensitive approach to portraying the subject grants the work a powerful presence and offers insight into the broader scope of human representation during the Renaissance period.
