Albrecht Durer the Elder 1486

Albrecht Dürer created this drawing of his father, Albrecht Dürer the Elder, using pen and black ink, at an unknown date. At the time, the elder Dürer, a skilled goldsmith, was a symbol of the burgeoning merchant class in Nuremberg. Unlike portraits of the aristocracy, this drawing presents a working man, emphasizing his weathered features and hands. He holds a statuette in his hands, which may reference his work as a goldsmith. Dürer's portrayal humanizes his father, capturing a sense of dignity and quiet strength amidst the societal shifts of the Renaissance. The delicate lines and shading demonstrate Dürer’s mastery, while also conveying the deep emotional connection between father and son. The image serves as both a personal tribute and a broader commentary on the value of labor.