Portret van keizer Maximiliaan I

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso linksonder, gestempeld: Lugt 2241

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of Emperor Maximilian I** *Albrecht Dürer, 1530, paper, 139 × 103 mm* This portrait drawing on paper captures Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I rendered by Albrecht Dürer, one of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance. Known for his revolutionary prints, engravings, and meticulous attention to detail, Dür bridged Italian Renaissance ideals with Northern precision, influencing generations. Maximilian, a lavish patron of the arts who died in 1519, commissioned major projects from Dürer, including grand woodcut series that celebrated imperial power—making this small-scale work a poignant personal tribute. Executed in 1530 on modest paper, the portrait's compact dimensions (just 139 × 103 mm) highlight Dürer's mastery of miniature formats, ideal for collectors or studies. Such drawings often served as preparatory sketches or standalone treasures, showcasing his skill in capturing likeness through fine lines and subtle shading. The verso bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2241, stamped lower left), a testament to its esteemed provenance and journey through discerning hands. Though diminutive, this piece embodies Dürer's enduring legacy: blending realism, symbolism, and technical innovation to immortalize a transformative ruler. A gem for admirers of Renaissance portraiture! (178 words)

About the Artist

Albrecht Dürer · 1471–1528

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) stands as the preeminent figure of the Northern Renaissance and arguably the most influential artist in the history of printmaking. Born in Nuremberg on May 21, 1471, and dying in the same city on April 6, 1528, Dürer revolutionized the status of the artist in Northern Europe, transforming printmaking from a commercial craft into an independent fine art and establishing ...