The artwork “Head of an old man” by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1521, is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This sketch and study belong to a series of studies focused on “St. Jerome” and is housed in the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin in Germany. It exemplifies Dürer’s skill in detailed and realistic representation.
The sketch portrays the head of an elderly man with a worn, expressive face. Fine lines and detailed shading are used to create wrinkles and textures that convey his advanced age. The man’s eyes are piercing, with a gaze that seems to reflect both wisdom and the passage of time, enhancing the emotional impact of the image. He has a full, scraggly beard that flows naturally, and his hair is tucked beneath a hat. Dürer’s monogram, “AD,” and the year, “1521,” are inscribed near the top of the drawing, marking the piece’s authentification and date. The masterful execution of this sketch reveals Dürer’s profound ability to capture human character and emotion in his work.
