Self-portrait, Study of a Hand and a Pillow (recto); Six Studies of Pillows (verso)

Self-portrait, Study of a Hand and a Pillow (recto); Six Studies of Pillows (verso) by Albrecht Dürer, executed in pen and brown ink around 1493, is an extraordinary early drawing that offers profound insight into the artist’s self-scrutiny and technical mastery. Created when Dürer was approximately twenty-two years old, the recto features a highly detailed, intimate study of the artist’s face and torso. This work is pivotal for understanding the emergent German Renaissance, showcasing the master’s early commitment to self-portraiture as a means of artistic and personal investigation.

The drawing’s primary focus lies in the meticulous rendering of the subject’s hands, which rest delicately against the crumpled fabric of a voluminous pillow. This close attention to detail reflects the foundational importance of anatomical accuracy in Renaissance art, demonstrating Dürer’s dedication to capturing complex human forms, particularly the subtle gestures of the men he depicted. The careful cross-hatching and varying line weight highlight his mastery of the pen, establishing the precise graphic style that would define his groundbreaking later work in prints and engravings.

The reverse side of the sheet, Six Studies of Pillows, demonstrates the artist’s rigorous approach to textural studies. These repeated exercises in rendering textile folds and volumetric form are essential preparatory sketches, revealing Dürer’s method of practicing elements destined for larger compositions. This pivotal drawing, representing the beginning of Dürer’s career, is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a canonical work, this image is frequently reproduced, making high-quality prints available, often through public domain access.