Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg

Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg by Albrecht Dürer is a masterful example of Renaissance portraiture, executed in the demanding medium of engraving. This striking print, created in the early sixteenth century, immortalizes one of the most powerful and controversial figures of the early German Reformation.

The composition adheres to the conventions of formal Portraits, capturing the subject's high clerical status. Dürer meticulously focused on the detail of the Cardinal’s robes and miter, utilizing the precision inherent to the engraving technique to render complex textures and deep tonal contrasts. This detailed treatment transforms the portrait into a psychologically intense study of one of the period's most influential Men.

Cardinal Albrecht, who served as Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg, was a significant patron of the arts, but his financial dealings related to the sale of indulgences placed him directly at the center of the conflict with Martin Luther. The visual language of power is reinforced by the elaborate Coat of Arms prominently featured in the background, symbolizing his vast ecclesiastical and noble lineage.

Dürer was renowned for elevating the art of the prints, ensuring that his works were highly distributed and influential across Europe. The mastery displayed in this specific piece affirmed the artistic value achievable through reproductive mediums. This essential Renaissance work is held in the prestigious collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a critical document of sixteenth-century political and religious history. Due to its age and historical importance, high-resolution scans of the artwork are frequently available for use in the public domain.