The artwork entitled “Portrait of a Boy with Blond Hair,” created by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1516, is a notable piece from the Northern Renaissance movement. This portrait, executed with tempera on wood, exemplifies mid-16th-century German portraiture. The artwork is currently housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel, located in Basel, Switzerland.
In the artwork, a young boy with blond hair is depicted against an intricately detailed architectural background. The boy’s features are rendered with delicate precision, a hallmark of Holbein’s skill in portraiture. He is positioned within an ornate frame adorned with cherubic figures and elaborate carvings. The boy’s attire, composed of flowing garments with defined lines, contrasts against the darker, muted background, highlighting his youthful presence. The attention to detail in both the boy’s facial expressions and the surrounding adornments illustrates the artist’s mastery in creating depth and texture. This piece reflects the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on realism and intricate detail.
