Portrait of the Artist 1486 - 1795

This "Portrait of the Artist" was made in 1506, but we don't know by whom. It’s executed in oil paint, a relatively new medium at the time, allowing for unprecedented detail and realism. Focusing on the material qualities, notice the smoothness of the paint surface, built up in layers to create depth and luminosity. The artist has carefully rendered the textures of skin, hair, and fur, capturing their tactile qualities with great precision. We can imagine the labor involved in grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying them meticulously to the panel. The choice of oil paint reflects a shift in artistic practice, from the craft-based traditions of tempera and fresco to a more individualized mode of production, tied to the emerging market for art. This portrait challenges traditional hierarchies, elevating the status of the artist through its skillful manipulation of materials. The artist has chosen to immortalize himself, and demonstrates the value of creative skill and labour.