Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg - the Large Plate

Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg - the Large Plate by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1523, is a commanding example of Northern Renaissance portraiture rendered in the demanding medium of engraving. This work showcases the German master’s unparalleled skill in line control and tonal complexity, characteristic of his late period prints. As the leading exponent of printmaking in Germany, Dürer leveraged the reproductive capacity of engraving to disseminate images of powerful figures throughout Europe, bridging the high art of the Renaissance with widespread accessibility. The complex detail found in the Cardinal's vestments, the surrounding architectural frame, and the subtle variations in tone demonstrate the absolute technical precision required, cementing Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his era.

The subject, Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, was a central, yet controversial, figure in early 16th-century German religious and political life, serving as the Archbishop-Elector of Mainz. The year 1523 falls squarely within the intense period following the initial thrust of the Reformation, a conflict in which Albrecht was deeply involved as a high-ranking cleric. This portrait, likely commissioned for broad distribution among the Cardinal’s supporters and potential allies, presents him in solemn attire, emphasizing his ecclesiastical status and authority. The successful execution and broad circulation of Dürer’s prints solidified this official image in the public imagination. This superb impression of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg - the Large Plate is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.