“Young couple” is a work of art by Albrecht Dürer, created between circa 1492 and circa 1494, during the Northern Renaissance. Considered to be a genre painting, this artwork is part of the collection housed at the Kunsthalle Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany. The genre of the painting indicates that it portrays scenes of everyday life.
The artwork depicts a young couple standing closely together, giving an intimate portrayal of two individuals in period dress. The man and woman are finely attired, which suggests their status or the importance of the occasion being captured. The man, to the right, has long hair and a serious countenance, wearing a cloth garment with intricate details including a belt and what appear to be tights or hose. The woman, standing to his left, has her hair styled elaborately with braids and possibly adornments, and she is clad in a dress with detailed folding and patterning, cinched at the waist. Their clothes and hairstyles are typical of upper-class fashion during the Northern Renaissance.
Both figures exhibit a degree of sensitivity and delicacy in their posture and facial expressions, which is amplified by the fine lines and expressive nature of the medium. It appears to be a drawing rather than a painting, executed with careful linework and shading, typical of Dürer’s skill in draftsmanship. The couple appears connected, possibly by holding hands, indicating a sense of intimacy or partnership. A discarded mask lies at their feet, adding an element of symbolism or narrative to the piece, suggesting themes of identity, disguise, or social roles.
