“Self-Portrait at 13” is a self-portrait by the German artist Albrecht Dürer, created in 1484 when he was just thirteen years old. This early work, executed in pencil on paper, reflects the artistic excellence that Dürer would become renowned for during the Northern Renaissance. This particular piece of art is currently housed at the Albertina museum in Vienna, Austria.
Looking at the artwork provided, the self-portrait showcases Dürer’s precocious skill with realistic rendering and attention to detail. A young Dürer is depicted with long, wavy hair, and wears a soft cap on his head. The face shows a very focused expression with detailed eyes gazing off to the side, which contributes to the introspective mood of the portrait. The drawing features finely etched lines, conveying the texture of the hair and the folds of clothing with remarkable intricacy for such a young artist. The clothing is suggestive of the fashion of the time, with voluminous sleeves that are a characteristic of 15th-century attire. Evident in the portrait is Dürer’s emerging mastery over depth and form, elements that he would continue to refine throughout his illustrious career.
