Portrait of Jakob Fugger 1519

This portrait of Jakob Fugger was painted by Albrecht Durer, though the year is uncertain. Fugger was the head of a powerful banking family in Augsburg, Germany. Here, we can observe how Durer’s image creates meaning. The subdued colors and the sitter's direct gaze convey a sense of authority and seriousness. The fur trim of Fugger’s coat signals his wealth and status in the merchantile world. As such, this portrait reflects the social structures of its time, one where economic power was increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few families. Art historians can use archival sources, such as family records and business documents, to better understand the social and economic context in which this portrait was created. By examining these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the role of art in shaping and reflecting social values. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.