Male head 1516

This is a drawing of a male head by Hans Baldung, made in pen and black ink, likely around 1516, given the date next to the image. Baldung was a German artist working at a time of significant social and religious upheaval during the Reformation. The face is etched with deep lines and wrinkles, suggesting old age and perhaps a life of hardship. The prominent display of aging and the stark realism of the portrait could be a commentary on mortality, a common theme in art of the period reflecting anxieties about death and salvation. The inscription "SATVRNVS" connects the image to classical mythology and the influence of the planets on human destiny. Baldung’s work often incorporated religious and mythological elements, reflecting the cultural and intellectual milieu of the Renaissance. Understanding this artwork fully requires delving into the social and religious history of 16th-century Germany, examining theological debates, and exploring the artist's other works and influences. The role of the historian is to uncover these layers of meaning and interpret the artwork within its complex historical context.