Timmerman c. 1502 - 1538

This small engraving of a carpenter, or "Timmerman," was created by Albrecht Altdorfer in the early 16th century. Note the man's posture: head resting on his hand, brow furrowed, as he gazes upon the timber. This pose is charged with melancholy, a classic representation of the contemplative spirit, reminiscent of depictions of philosophers and prophets lost in thought. The image echoes motifs found throughout art history, from classical sculptures of brooding gods to Renaissance portraits of pensive scholars. Consider the figure of Jeremiah by Michelangelo, a parallel in posture and emotion. The weight of thought, the burden of knowledge, transcends professions and eras. The timber itself symbolizes potential, a raw material awaiting transformation. But here, it is met with hesitation, a pause before action. Perhaps this reflects a broader cultural anxiety of the time, as the medieval world gave way to modernity, challenging old certainties. This image speaks to the timeless struggle of creation, the emotional and psychological labor that precedes any tangible work. The carpenter’s silent contemplation is a powerful emblem of human endeavor and the universal search for meaning.