Albrecht Dürer’s “Portrait of a Woman” is a Northern Renaissance artwork dated to 1494 and categorized as a portrait. The original piece is part of the collection at the Kunsthalle Bremen in Bremen, Germany. It reflects the Northern Renaissance’s attention to detail and the emerging practice of portraiture in this period.
The drawing portrays a woman in profile view, showcasing nuanced detailing that captures the textures of her skin, attire, and decorative elements of her clothing. The woman wears a dress with elaborate patterns, possibly imprinted or embroidered, featuring floral and possibly heraldic motifs. Her head is adorned with a headdress that seems to have a transparent veil and is elaborately decorated with beads or pearls. The artist has meticulously rendered the woman’s features, from the curve of her nose and chin to the folds of her garments.
This attention to detail is typical of Albrecht Dürer, who is renowned for his precision and the lifelike quality of his work. The piece exhibits fine lines to create depth and texture, which is evident in the shading and folds of the clothing and the realistic portrayal of the woman’s facial features. Dürer’s monogram, “AD,” and the date, “1494,” are inscribed near the top of the drawing, confirming his authorship and the period of creation. The artwork is not only a display of the artist’s technical skill but also a glimpse into the fashion and societal norms of the European upper class at the end of the 15th century.
