Hans Roth [obverse] 1527

Bernhard Strigel painted this portrait of Hans Roth around the turn of the 16th century, likely using oil paint on a wooden panel. The smooth, almost porcelain-like skin tones are achieved through careful layering of paint, a testament to Strigel’s skill. But it's the other materials included here that really tell a story. Roth’s garments are rendered in exquisite detail. Note the fur stole, the fine linen of his shirt, and the velvet of his hat. The production of these materials would have involved numerous specialized craftspeople, each contributing their labor. Even the orange held in Roth's hand is significant; citrus fruits were luxury items, imported at great expense. In this painting, then, materiality speaks to a complex web of trade, labor, and consumption. It reminds us that even a seemingly simple portrait is deeply embedded in a specific social and economic context. By attending to these details, we can see past the mere representation and appreciate the dense network of relationships that give the artwork its full meaning.