Self-Portrait at Age Twenty-Eight 1530

Heinrich Aldegrever made this self-portrait in 1530 using engraving, a printmaking technique favored in Northern Europe. But this isn't just a likeness; it's a carefully constructed statement about the artist's identity and status. Living in Germany during the Reformation, Aldegrever navigated a society undergoing immense religious and political upheaval. The choice of engraving itself reflects a connection to the printmaking boom fueled by the Reformation, where images played a crucial role in spreading new ideas. The Latin inscription and heraldic shield suggest a learned, even noble, status, a claim that may have been aspirational, given Aldegrever's middle-class background. The meticulous detail in his clothing speaks to his profession and perhaps a desire to elevate the status of the artist. Unlocking the full meaning of this image requires historical context. Examining Aldegrever's other works, along with period documents, reveals a complex figure navigating the changing social landscape of his time. Art history helps us understand how individuals used images to negotiate their place in society.