“Head of Peter” is a sketch by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1526 as part of his study for the artwork series “Study of the ‘Four Apostles’.” This piece is a characteristic work of the Northern Renaissance art movement, and it is currently located at the Musée Bonnat in Bayonne, France. The genre of this artwork is classified as a sketch and study.
The image showcases a detailed sketch of an elderly man’s head, which is presumed to be the Apostle Peter based on the title. The figure has a full head of hair with curls at the end, a furrowed brow, and a strong gaze suggesting a moment of deep thought or concern. His beard is thick and curly, and the attention to detail in the drawing indicates Dürer’s skillful hand in capturing textures and expressions. The image is monochromatic and the lines vary in intensity, from faint outlines of the face to the more dramatic shading around the eyes, nose, and beard, creating a strong contrast that gives the face a three-dimensional appearance. Dürer’s mastery in the art of drawing is apparent in the lifelike representation and the expressiveness of the subject’s features.
