Bernhard von Reesen Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)
Albrecht Dürer – Bernhard von Reesen
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Painter: Albrecht Dürer
Location: Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister), Dresden.
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"Portrait of a Young Man," painted in 1521, belongs to the late work of Albrecht Dürer. At that time he was already an accomplished portrait painter, having painted several dozen portraits of famous people of his time. In painting his portraits, Dürer sought to convey precisely the spiritual essence of the person portrayed. In this regard, Portrait of a Young Man is considered one of the best illustrations. The young man is holding a piece of paper, probably a letter, on which you can read part of the address - "Dem pernh...
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Description of Albrecht Dürer’s Portrait of a Young Man
"Portrait of a Young Man," painted in 1521, belongs to the late work of Albrecht Dürer. At that time he was already an accomplished portrait painter, having painted several dozen portraits of famous people of his time.
In painting his portraits, Dürer sought to convey precisely the spiritual essence of the person portrayed.
In this regard, Portrait of a Young Man is considered one of the best illustrations.
The young man is holding a piece of paper, probably a letter, on which you can read part of the address - "Dem pernh... zw...". The rest of the name is covered with fingers. For quite a long time it was believed that the picture depicts the famous South Dutch painter, court painter of Charles V Bernart van Orleij. At this point there is speculation that the man’s name is Bernhard von Riesen, mentioned by Dürer in his personal diaries. He was a merchant from Danzig. According to Dürer’s records, the artist received eight florins for this painting.
The image was done in oil on wood and took up the whole board. Both margins of the hat had to be trimmed.
The young man is dressed in the German fashion of the first half of the 16th century. The dark tones of the clothing allow us to concentrate on the young man’s face. His facial features are very correct and expressive: a clearly outlined chin, slightly pensive eyes looking at something in the distance, the crease of his lips indicate that this was a strong-willed, energetic, purposeful man. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know how good a physiognomist Dürer showed himself in this case.
Bernhard von Riesen died at the age of thirty, a few months after painting in October 1521, during another epidemic of plague. There is, however, no definite proof that it is his image on the painting.
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In his hands, he holds a folded piece of paper, possibly a letter or a document, which he seems to be examining or presenting. The way he holds it, folded into a triangular shape, is a distinctive and unusual detail. His fingers are delicately rendered, and the paper itself shows some texture and what appears to be lettering, though it is not clearly legible and adds a layer of mystery to the portrait.
The background is a plain, textured red, which makes the figure stand out prominently. The lighting is soft, illuminating his face and hands, creating subtle shadows that add to the sense of depth and volume. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and prosperity, typical of portraits commissioned by wealthy individuals of the era.
The subtexts of the painting can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it serves as a symbol of Bernhard von Reesens status and wealth. The fine clothing, particularly the fur cloak, and the dignified pose all point to his success as a merchant. The document he holds might represent his business dealings, contracts, or important correspondence, reinforcing his identity as a man of affairs.
Secondly, the subtle, introspective gaze of von Reesen suggests a personal dimension to the portrait. It’s not just a display of status, but also an attempt to capture the subjects inner life or intellectual engagement. The triangular fold of the paper itself is a unique element that could be interpreted symbolically; perhaps it signifies a complex matter, a secret, or a form of personal communication.
Finally, considering the artistic context of the Renaissance, portraits like this also served to solidify the sitters legacy and memory. By commissioning such a detailed and lifelike painting, Bernhard von Reesen was ensuring his image would endure, a testament to his presence and importance in his time. The painting, therefore, functions as both a personal statement and a historical document, offering insights into the life and values of a prominent merchant in 16th-century Northern Europe.