The artwork “Study sheet with self-portrait, hand, and cushions” by Albrecht Dürer dates back to 1493. It is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and is classified under the genre of self-portrait. Dürer utilized pen and ink on paper as his medium to create this piece.
The drawing displays a young man’s face, presumably that of Dürer himself, given its identification as a self-portrait. He looks directly at the viewer with a penetrating gaze, and his facial expression is neutral yet engrossing. His long, wavy hair is adorned with a hat, which is typical of the styles worn during that time period. To the right of his face, there is a highly detailed study of a hand, which is intricately shaded to depict its three-dimensional form and light reflection. Below the hand study, there are depictions of soft, folded cushions, showcasing Dürer’s skill in portraying different textures and materials. The entire artwork is executed with a high level of precision, emphasizing Dürer’s exceptional ability to capture lifelike detail in his drawings.
