Artwork
Willibald Pirkheimer
Willibald Pirkheimer is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1524 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1939.562
- Credit line
- Gift of Edward B. Greene
About this work
Overview
This 1524 portrait print by Albrecht Dürer depicts Willibald Pirckheimer, a prominent Nuremberg humanist. The work showcases Dürer's skill in capturing detailed, nuanced representations through printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
Pirckheimer, shown with a serious expression, was a close friend and intellectual associate of Dürer's. The portrait reflects Dürer's connections with Nuremberg's humanist circles.
Technique & Style
The print employs chiaroscuro, a technique using contrasting light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect. Shading gives Pirckheimer's face depth, while a plain background focuses attention on the subject.
History & Provenance
Created in 1524 by Albrecht Dürer, a renowned artist of the German Renaissance, this portrait is an example of his work in printmaking, a medium in which he gained early recognition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
