Portrait of a young woman 1503

Albrecht Durer made this portrait of a young woman, around 1503, using black ink on paper. The drawing brings together materials of both simplicity and deep tradition. Paper production, though increasingly available, was still a precious commodity, demanding skilled labor in its making. The use of black ink allowed Durer to create subtle tonal variations, capturing the delicate features of the sitter. Look closely, and you'll see that the choice of material and the process of drawing have imbued the artwork with social and cultural significance. The very act of creating a portrait elevated the sitter's status, immortalizing her image for posterity. Durer's skilled hand, guided by years of training, transformed humble materials into a work of art that transcends its physical form. The drawing invites us to consider the intersection of craft, skill, and social context in the creation of art, reminding us that even the simplest materials can convey profound meaning.