Portrait of a Young Man

The Portrait of a Young Man by Hans Holbein the Younger, executed between 1520 and 1530, is a masterful example of early 16th-century German portraiture. This painting, rendered in oil on panel, captures the sitter with the meticulous realism characteristic of the Northern Renaissance tradition. The subject, whose identity remains unknown, is depicted bust-length, set against a monochromatic background that directs the viewer's full attention to his features and attire.

Younger’s keen eye for detail is evident in the precise rendering of the subject’s costume. The textures of the clothing and the subtle play of light across the face are depicted with almost clinical accuracy, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation that might distract from the sitter's physical and psychological presence. Holbein employed highly refined techniques of preparation, often utilizing detailed preparatory drawings before transferring the design to the panel, which accounts for the precision of the final painting.

This work falls squarely within the critical period of 1501 to 1550, coinciding with the rise of the Reformation and a growing demand for secular portraiture across European courts. Though much of Younger’s later career was defined by his work in England, this piece reflects the high standard of technical execution developed during his earlier time in Basel, demonstrating his status as a leading German artist of the Renaissance. The focus on individual character and the restrained color palette reflect the artistic currents prevalent in Northern European culture at this time.

This significant work of the German Renaissance is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a historical masterwork, this painting is increasingly available to scholars and enthusiasts; high-quality prints are often reproduced through public domain art initiatives, ensuring broad access to Holbein’s remarkable early output.