Portrait of Bernard van Orley Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a three-quarter portrait of a young man, rendered in meticulous detail with pen and ink, heightened with washes of brown chalk. The subject is positioned against a dark, textured background that emphasizes the luminosity of his skin and clothing. He gazes slightly off to the left, an expression of quiet contemplation or perhaps mild apprehension on his face.
The artist has focused considerable attention on capturing the subtleties of the young man’s features: the slight asymmetry of his mouth, the delicate curve of his nose, and the subtle shadowing around his eyes. The hair is neatly trimmed, visible beneath a distinctive hat with broad brims that folds over his forehead. This headwear suggests a certain social standing or professional affiliation, though its precise meaning remains open to interpretation without further contextual information.
The rendering of the clothing reveals an interest in texture and fabric drape. Fine lines delineate the folds of the shirt collar and the sleeves, suggesting a degree of formality. The chalk washes add depth and volume, softening the harshness of the ink lines and creating a sense of three-dimensionality.
At the top of the drawing, inscribed in elegant script, are the dates 1521 and what appears to be a signature or initials. This inscription provides valuable chronological information and hints at the artists identity, though it does not directly inform the interpretation of the subject’s character or status.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a young man, the drawing conveys an impression of careful observation and considered representation. The level of detail suggests that this may have been intended as a study for a larger work, perhaps a painted portrait. It could also serve as a record of a specific individual at a particular moment in time, preserving his likeness for posterity. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, indicative of the artistic conventions prevalent during the early sixteenth century.