Portrait of a man (Paul Hofhaimer or Hans Tucher) 1520

Albrecht Durer made this drawing of a man – perhaps Paul Hofhaimer or Hans Tucher – with black chalk on paper. It's in the British Museum in London. The portrait presents a somber individual, rendered with Durer's characteristic precision and attention to detail. The subject's gaze, directed off to the side, creates a sense of introspection and detachment, drawing viewers into the psychological space of the sitter. Durer's use of line and shading is masterful, defining the contours of the face and the textures of the fur-lined coat. The hatching technique, visible in the darker areas, adds depth and volume to the composition. Consider how Durer’s style relates to the broader intellectual currents of the Renaissance. He synthesized empirical observation with classical ideals of beauty and proportion, reflecting a humanistic emphasis on understanding the world through both reason and experience. Ultimately, this portrait reveals Durer's ability to capture not only the physical likeness, but also the inner character of his subject, positioning the work within ongoing discourses about identity, representation, and the role of art in society.