The artwork “Landsknecht” was created by Albrecht Dürer between 1505 and 1506 and embodies the essence of the Northern Renaissance movement. This portrait is housed in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum in Braunschweig, Germany.
The image depicts a figure that appears to be a mercenary soldier known as a Landsknecht, which was a common type of military force in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, particularly within the Holy Roman Empire. These soldiers were known for their distinctive and flamboyant dress, which Dürer has captured meticulously. The individual in the portrait is standing with a casual, yet confident posture, holding a long pike—a typical weapon for such soldiers—with one end resting on the ground. The soldier is elaborately dressed, with a large, feathered hat that draws the eye and a cape draped over one shoulder. The clothing includes puffed sleeves and slashed fabrics, displaying an essence of swagger and martial prowess. The drawing is detailed in its depiction of the textures and patterns of the clothes and feathers, showcasing Dürer’s skilled draftsmanship. The face of the soldier is depicted with a stern and somewhat weary expression which, combined with the overall stance, gives insight into the character of a Landsknecht.
