Portrait Of A Young man With A Rosary Hans Baldung Grien (1480-1545)

The portrait presents a young male figure set against a dark, nearly black background. He is positioned centrally within the frame and occupies most of its vertical space. The composition emphasizes his frontal presentation; he gazes directly at the viewer with a somewhat detached expression.
Here we see a man dressed in garments indicative of a particular social standing. A fur-trimmed coat, rendered in rich browns and greens, suggests wealth and status. His head is covered by a light blue cap, its texture meticulously detailed to convey the appearance of fabric. The hair visible beneath the cap appears reddish-brown, framing his face with soft curls.
In his clasped hands, he holds a string of prayer beads – a rosary – which introduces an element of piety and religious devotion into the depiction. This detail is significant; it suggests not only personal faith but also potentially indicates membership in a specific religious order or affiliation. The placement of the rosary within his grasp draws attention to this aspect of his identity.
Above the figure, inscribed in elegant lettering, are the words ANNA DNI - I 509. This inscription likely serves as a dedication or commemorates an event related to the subject and the patron who commissioned the work. The inclusion of dates suggests a desire for historical record-keeping and memorialization.
The artist’s technique demonstrates a careful observation of light and shadow, particularly evident in the rendering of the fur collar and the subtle gradations on his face. This contributes to a sense of realism while also creating a contemplative atmosphere.
Subtly, there is an air of melancholy or introspection about the subject. His gaze lacks warmth, and the overall palette leans towards muted tones, contributing to this impression. The portrait seems less concerned with celebrating outward achievements than with conveying a quiet dignity and perhaps a sense of inner reflection. It’s possible that the artist intended to portray not just physical likeness but also an aspect of the sitters character or spiritual state.