Portrait of the Architect Hieronymus von Augsburg Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a man in three-quarter profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. He appears elderly, with deeply etched lines defining his face and suggesting considerable life experience. His hair is longish, streaked with grey, and falls loosely around his shoulders. The artist has rendered it with meticulous detail, using fine hatching to suggest texture and volume.
The man’s expression is complex; a subtle melancholy seems to permeate his features. While theres a certain dignity in his bearing, the downturned mouth and slightly furrowed brow convey an underlying weariness or perhaps quiet contemplation. The eyes are particularly striking – they possess a penetrating gaze that suggests intelligence and introspection.
He wears what appears to be a simple tunic with wide sleeves, fastened at the neck with a small collar. In his left hand, he holds a small, square object – possibly a measuring tool or architectural model – which is rendered with considerable precision, hinting at his profession. The careful depiction of this item suggests its importance in defining his identity and status.
The monochromatic palette contributes to the overall somber mood. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a remarkable range of tonal values, giving depth and form to the figure. The artist’s skill is evident in the precise rendering of facial features, clothing folds, and the texture of the hair.
Beyond a straightforward portrait, the drawing seems to explore themes of age, wisdom, and perhaps the burdens of responsibility. The mans posture and expression suggest a life dedicated to intellectual pursuits, while the architectural tool underscores his professional identity. There is an air of quiet authority about him, tempered by a sense of introspection that invites speculation regarding his inner world.