The artwork titled “Head of Paul” is by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent figure of the Northern Renaissance. The piece is categorized as a sketch and study and is part of a series of studies for Dürer’s work “The Four Apostles.” The genre of the artwork allows for an exploration of form and detail that is characteristic of Dürer’s practice.
The sketch depicts a profile view of an elderly man with a prominent forehead, deep-set eyes, a pronounced nose, and a full beard that flows in wavy locks down onto his chest. The work is executed with delicate, precise lines that explore the textures and contours of the face and beard with exceptional attention to detail. The drawing has a date marked on the top left corner, reading “1520,” which situates it during the period of the Northern Renaissance when artists like Dürer were focused on realism and character in their depiction of human subjects. Despite the age of the paper and the potential fading of the medium over time, the skillful draftsmanship of Dürer is evident, displaying his mastery in portraying human features and expressions.
