Description
Albrecht Dürer's painting Self-portrait at 22 is a German Renaissance masterpiece showcasing the artist's talent and skill in creating realistic and detailed portraits. The painting depicts Dürer himself at the age of 22, with a direct and confident gaze that reflects his self-confidence as an artist.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, as Dürer is portrayed standing up front, with one hand resting on an open window that shows a cityscape behind him. The window and landscape create a sense of depth and perspective in the painting, making the portrait appear more realistic and alive.
The paint color is very sober and natural, with shades of brown, gray and beige that create a calm and serene atmosphere. Dürer uses the chiaroscuro technique to create shadows and lights that give depth and volume to the figure.
The history of the painting is also very interesting, as Dürer is believed to have created this work as a self-portrait to demonstrate his skill as an artist and to advertise his services as a portraitist. The painting was very well received by his contemporaries and became one of Dürer's most famous works.
Little known aspects of the painting include the presence of a small inscription in the lower right corner of the painting that reads "Albrecht Dürer me fecit anno aetatis suae XXII" (Albrecht Dürer made me at the age of 22). It is also believed that Dürer used a mirror to create the painting, which allowed him to portray himself with great precision and detail.
In summary, Albrecht Dürer's painting Self-portrait at 22 is a masterpiece of the German Renaissance noted for its skill in creating realistic and detailed portraits, its interesting composition, and its sober, natural color. The history and little-known aspects of the painting make it a fascinating work for any art lover.