Self-Portrait (Dürer, Madrid)
Albrecht Dürer · 1498
The story
Self-portrait (or Self-portrait at 26) is the second of Albrecht Dürer's three painted self-portraits and was executed in oil on wood panel in 1498, after his first trip to Italy. In the depiction, Dürer elevates himself to the social position he believed suited to an artist of his ability. He presents himself in half length, under an arch, turned towards the viewer. He bears an arrogant expression, betraying the assured self-confidence of a young artist at the height of his ability. His presence dominates the pictorial space, from his hat, which almost reaches the top of the canvas, to his arm positioned on the lower ledge, where he rests his fingers enclosed in fine, rich gloves.
Until some time in the 17th century the painting was hung with and kept as a companion piece with Portrait of Dürer's Father at 70; in 1636 the two paintings were gifted as a pair to Charles I of England by the city of Nuremberg, and in 1654 this work was acquired by Philip IV of Spain. Today it is in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
- Artist
- Albrecht Dürer
- Date
- 1498
- Collection
- Louvre, Paris, France
- Movement
- High Renaissance, German Renaissance
- Medium
- oil paint, panel
- Size
- 52 × 41 cm
Story adapted from the Wikipedia article and its contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.
Explore paintings by Albrecht Dürer
Explore related paintings
- Adoration of the Magi (Dürer) by Albrecht Dürer
- Adoration of the Trinity by Albrecht Dürer
- Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand by Albrecht Dürer
- Portrait of the Artist Holding a Thistle by Albrecht Dürer
- Self-Portrait with Fur-Trimmed Robe by Albrecht Dürer
- An Old Man and his Grandson by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Guess famous paintings in the free daily art puzzle →
Enable JavaScript to play the interactive puzzle. Your progress stays on this device.