Portrait of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg 1523

Albrecht Durer drew this portrait of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, using black ink on paper, sometime around 1519. Here, the very substance of the drawing – the delicate, precise application of ink – speaks volumes about Durer's meticulous approach. His technique, characterized by fine lines and subtle shading, highlights the Cardinal’s features and captures the textures of his garments. Look closely, and you will notice the density of lines used to depict the folds and weight of the Cardinal’s clothing, and the contrasting light touch defining the contours of his face. Durer was a master of printmaking, which was itself a relatively new technology in the early 16th century. His ability to create such lifelike portraits through the controlled application of ink demonstrates a deep understanding of materials and processes. This mastery elevates what might seem a simple drawing into a powerful statement. It shows us the skill and labor that artists contributed to the rise of Early Modernism, and how even the humblest materials can convey so much about the society that produced them.