Hundreds of years before selfies, Renaissance artists painted pictures of themselves. These are called self-portraits, and they capture much more than the artist’s physical attributes. They reveal the “total picture,” which encompasses the artist’s inner world and personality. This self-portrait reveals the likeness of Albrecht Dürer, a gifted Renaissance painter, printmaker, and writer from Nuremberg, Germany. Placed at eye level on the right-hand side of the painting, the inscription reads, “This, I, Albrecht Dürer of Nuremberg, made an image of myself, in appropriate colors, in my 28th year.” On the opposite side of the inscription is his signature, dated 1500. Pretend you’re looking at the portrait with a friend who is blindfolded.
How would you describe the person in the portrait to your friend?
Like any good detective, make sure to pay attention to all of the clues in the painting. What does Dürer’s facial expression reveal about him? What do you think he is feeling? What is he thinking?
How would you describe Dürer’s personality? Is he playful or serious?
What does Dürer’s clothing reveal about him?
What do Dürer’s eyes, body language, and posture reveal about him? Does Dürer resemble anyone else from history?