Portrait of a young Girl Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a young girl, rendered in meticulous detail with graphite on paper. The subject is positioned in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed slightly off-center, suggesting a moment captured rather than a posed presentation. Her head is turned subtly to the left, creating a dynamic interplay between profile and frontal perspective.
The artist has paid considerable attention to rendering the features of the face. The eyes are large and expressive, conveying an impression of quiet intelligence or perhaps a touch of melancholy. The nose is delicately shaped, and the mouth possesses a gentle curve that hints at youthfulness. A prominent brow ridge lends a certain seriousness to her expression.
The hair is styled in a manner consistent with contemporary fashion; it’s pulled back from the face and gathered into a bun, secured by a headband. A single braid descends along one side of her neck, adding visual interest and texture. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching techniques to depict the play of light on the hair, creating a sense of volume and depth.
The girl’s attire is simple but elegant: a high-necked garment with intricate button detailing visible at the front. Her hands are clasped in her lap, their position contributing to an overall impression of composure and restraint. The artist has meticulously rendered the folds of the fabric, demonstrating a mastery of observational drawing.
The background is left largely unrendered, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject. A faint inscription appears at the upper edge of the composition, likely indicating the date or perhaps the name of the sitter.
Subtly, the work conveys an impression of nascent maturity and quiet dignity. The girl’s gaze suggests a thoughtful interiority, hinting at a personality beyond mere youthful innocence. The restrained pose and simple attire suggest a deliberate avoidance of ostentation, possibly reflecting a sense of modesty or social standing. The drawings technical precision and attention to detail imply that the subject was considered worthy of such careful representation, potentially indicating familial importance or patronage.