Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg

Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1519, is one of the German Renaissance master's definitive engraved portraits. This technique, which represents the highest form of relief printing, showcases Dürer’s exceptional precision in line work, texture, and tonal density. The subject is Albrecht of Brandenburg (1490-1545), a powerful ecclesiastical and political figure who served as the Archbishop of Mainz and was a significant patron of the arts, notably commissioning works from Dürer himself.

The composition captures the powerful man in three-quarter profile, wearing his elaborate ecclesiastical robes and a richly textured cap, affirming his elevated clerical status. This detailed print is a profound example of Northern Renaissance portraiture, focusing intently on the sitter’s character and expression. Below the figure, Dürer includes a prominent display of the Cardinal’s elaborate coat of arms, integrating heraldic symbols that signify his powerful lineage and multiple offices. The inclusion of the arms, coupled with a clearly legible Latin inscription, transforms the image from a mere representation into a forceful statement of temporal and religious authority.

Dürer produced a critical series of prints documenting high-ranking men of his era. This particular engraving was highly effective as a diplomatic tool, spreading the Cardinal's image widely throughout the Holy Roman Empire. The widespread distribution of such Renaissance prints ensured the longevity of the sitter's fame and cemented Dürer’s reputation as the foremost graphic artist of the era. This significant work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and reproductions are frequently available through public domain archives, allowing broad access to Dürer's masterful skill in the medium of engraving.