The artwork “Portrait of Conrat Verkell” was created by Albrecht Dürer in 1508. It is a striking example of the Northern Renaissance art movement, characterized by a high level of detail and a focus on individualism and naturalism. This particular piece is a portrait genre artwork and is held in the British Museum, located in London, UK.
The image exhibits a man’s portrait seen in a worm’s-eye view, giving a unique perspective that emphasizes the features of the face. The man appears to be of older age, with deep-set eyes, noticeable lines and wrinkles on his face, and a full beard that suggests wisdom or experience. His garments include what seems to be a turban-like headwear, suggesting a sense of importance or a high-standing societal role at the time.
The facial expression is solemn with a hint of introspection. The attention to detail Albrecht Dürer has paid in the rendering of the facial textures and the fabric folds of the headwear is meticulous, bringing a sense of realism and personality to the portrait. In the top right corner, there’s text, likely indicating the name of the subject and the date of the portrait’s completion. Overall, the portrait is an exemplary work of Dürer’s skill in capturing human essence and character, typical of the Northern Renaissance era’s artistry.
