Self-Portrait (Dürer, Madrid) facts for kids
Self-portrait (or Self-portrait at 26) is the second of Albrecht Dürer's three painted self-portraits, and was executed in oil on wood panel in 1498, after his first trip to Italy. In the depiction, Dürer elevates himself to the social position he believed suited to an artist of his ability. He presents himself in half length, under an arch, turned towards the viewer. He bears an arrogant expression, betraying the assured self-confidence of a young artist at the height of his ability. His presence dominates the pictorial space, from his hat which almost reaches the top of the canvas to his arm positioned on the lower ledge, where he rests his fingers enclosed in fine rich gloves.
Until some time in the 19th century the painting was hung with and kept as a companion piece with Portrait of Dürer's Father at 70; in 1636 the two paintings were gifted as a pair to Charles I of England by the city of Nuremberg, and this work was at some point acquired by Philip IV of Spain. Today it is in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Description
Dürer is depicted in front of an open window before a flat landscape containing a lake and distant snow-capped mountains. The landscape may represent either the memory of his recent travels abroad or his inner mental state. Light spills from the window, falling along his head to highlight both his delicate skin tones and long blond hair. Dürer is dressed with effeminate grace in flamboyant, extravagant clothes showing the influence of Italian fashion. His low-necked shirt or chemise is of fine linen, gathered and trimmed with a band of gold braid or embroidery, and worn under an open-fronted doublet and a cloak tied over one shoulder. His white jacket has black lining under a white pleated shirt of which the verticals match the horizontals of his headdress. His fingers are crossed, hidden inside silk gloves, an unusual pose for Dürer's early career; he always paid close attention in detailing the hands of his sitters who are usually showing holding an object; examples include a pillow, rosary, sheet of paper and flower.
..... He looks out at the viewer with a cool ironic stare.
Gallery
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Self-portrait at 13, 1484. Silver point drawing, made with the use of a mirror. Vienna.
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Self-portrait with a pillow, drawing of 1491-92. This study for the 1493 Louvre self-portrait was executed on the reverse of that canvas.
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Portrait of the Artist Holding a Thistle. Musée du Louvre, Paris.
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Self-Portrait at 28, 1500. Alte Pinakothek, Munich. Here Dürer presents himself in a portrait heavily invoking the iconography of Christ.
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See also
In Spanish: Autorretrato de Durero (Prado) para niños
- List of paintings by Albrecht Dürer
- 100 Great Paintings
