The artwork “Portrait of a Young Man” was created by the artist Albrecht Durer in the year 1521. As a prominent example of the Northern Renaissance art movement, this portrait typifies the attention to detail and interest in individualism characteristic of the period. The genre of the artwork is a portrait, and it is housed in the British Museum, London, UK.
The artwork captures the visage of a young man in exquisite detail, featuring a keenly observed likeness that reflects the artist’s skill in rendering human features. He is depicted in three-quarter view, turning slightly to his left, allowing for the contours of his face to be elegantly highlighted. The subject’s attire suggests a status of some wealth or significance, with the intricacies of his clothing rendered with precision. Particularly noteworthy are the soft curls of his hair and the nuanced textures of his garments, including what appears to be a fur-lined overcoat and a chain around his neck. His gaze is thoughtful and introspective, and there’s a sense of immediacy and presence conveyed to the viewer. Durer’s masterful use of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, with the shadows and light creating a compelling depth within the work. The inscription at the top indicating the artist’s monogram and the year of creation authenticates the work’s origin and period. Overall, it represents the exemplar craftsmanship and the rich cultural backdrop of the Northern Renaissance era.
