The Portrait of Ulrich Varnbüler by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a highly influential example of early 16th-century German printmaking. Executed in 1522, this masterful woodcut in black on ivory laid paper captures the likeness of Ulrich Varnbüler (d. 1530), a key secretary in the Imperial Court of Emperor Charles V and a recognized humanist scholar.
Dürer, a pivotal figure of the German Renaissance, fundamentally elevated the art of printmaking from a craft to a high art form. This piece demonstrates his exceptional command over the woodcut medium, particularly his ability to render nuanced textures and deep shadows using only stark black lines. The intricate detailing of Varnbüler’s luxurious clothing, expansive beard, and feathered cap conveys the sitter's status and intellectual bearing, creating a portrait of monumental impact.
The work is notable for its large scale among the artist's prints and includes Latin inscriptions identifying Varnbüler and praising Dürer's renowned skill. Produced during a period of intense religious and political transformation in Germany, this powerful image serves both as a sophisticated personal likeness and a testament to the rapidly growing influence of the printed medium in disseminating reputation across Europe.
This exceptional impression, classified simply as a print, is a significant part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The continued study of masterpieces by Dürer ensures that his technical innovations within the history of prints remain accessible, often through materials now available in the public domain.
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