Portrait of Ulrich Varnbuler

The Portrait of Ulrich Varnbuler by Albrecht Dürer is a profound example of German Renaissance printmaking, created during the artist’s prolific period (1485-1528). Executed as a woodcut, the work showcases Dürer’s exceptional precision in handling line and shadow, elevating the often-rough medium of relief prints to an unprecedented level of refinement and detail.

The subject is Ulrich Varnbuler, a prominent Imperial Secretary and humanist scholar whom Dürer encountered in Augsburg. In line with traditions for depicting important men of the era, the sitter is presented in a severe profile. This compositional choice focuses attention on the distinct contour of Varnbuler’s face, emphasizing his intellectual character and societal status. Dürer utilizes dense hatching to create deep contrast, allowing the texture of the sitter’s elaborate cap and fur-trimmed costume to stand out dramatically against the dark background.

This celebrated work confirms Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his generation, responsible for bringing the sophistication of Southern Renaissance art to Northern Europe. The masterful handling of the woodcut ensures a lasting sharpness and clarity, which was essential for the dissemination of such portraits during the period. This important work resides in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a cornerstone piece among their holdings of old master prints. Its historic importance and widespread accessibility have ensured that reproductions of this influential profile portrait are readily available within the public domain.