The artwork titled “Portrait Melchior Pfinzing” is a creation by Albrecht Dürer, a master of the Northern Renaissance. The portrait was crafted between approximately 1508 and 1512 and belongs to the portrait genre, which was a popular form of art during the Northern Renaissance. This movement was known for its detailed, naturalistic works and emphasis on the individuality of subjects.
The image presented is a delicate black and white sketch that depicts the profile of a man from the mid-chest up. He is facing to the right of the image, and his head is adorned with a turban-style hat. The man’s features are finely rendered with a level of detail indicative of the Northern Renaissance’s focus on realism. His attire suggests a high social status typical for a portrait subject of the time. The clothing styles as well as the hat are indicative of the fashion during the early 16th century in Northern Europe. There is visible hatching and cross-hatching, which adds depth and texture to the work. The artist’s signature is inscribed in the lower corner, adding a personal touch to the artwork. The drawing is a study in character and form, capturing both the physical likeness and the suggestion of the subject’s character. With the monochromatic palette, the artist masterfully conveys volume and lighting through the use of line and shading.
