Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg (Large Cardinal) Durer Engravings (1471-1528)

Here we observe a portrait rendered in a meticulous engraving style. The subject is depicted in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer, presenting a formal and dignified appearance. He wears a distinctive cardinals biretta, its folds carefully delineated with cross-hatching that creates depth and texture. A richly ornamented mantle drapes over his shoulders, its intricate details suggesting considerable wealth and status.
The artist has paid particular attention to the subject’s facial features. The nose is prominent, the lips thin, and the eyes appear intense, conveying a sense of intelligence and perhaps even severity. Fine lines etched around the eyes and mouth suggest age, though the overall impression remains one of robust health. A small shield bearing heraldic symbols is positioned behind his head, further emphasizing his noble lineage and official position.
The inscription above the subject’s head provides a Latin phrase (Sic oculos, sic genas, sic ora ferebat) which translates to Thus he bore his eyes, his cheeks, his mouth, suggesting an attempt at capturing a likeness or conveying a particular characteristic of the individual. The text below identifies him as Albrecht of Brandenburg, with numerous titles and affiliations related to the Catholic Church and the Margraviate of Brandenburg.
Subtleties within the work hint at more than just a straightforward representation. The careful rendering of textures – the fabric of the biretta, the sheen of the mantle, the skin’s surface – suggests an emphasis on materiality and worldly power. The profile view, common in portraiture, allows for a sense of distance and authority; he is presented as someone to be respected rather than approached casually. The inclusion of his coat of arms reinforces this message, solidifying his identity within a complex network of political and religious allegiances. Overall, the engraving conveys an image of a powerful figure, carefully constructed to project an aura of piety, intellect, and noble standing.