Hoofd van een jongeman 1507

"Head of a Young Man" is a miniature engraving by Albrecht Altdorfer, who died in 1538. This image encapsulates the aesthetic interests of the German Renaissance while also offering insight into the construction of identity during this period. Altdorfer presents us with a young man whose gaze is directed slightly off to the side, creating an air of introspective contemplation. The delicate lines of the engraving capture the soft texture of his hair and the gentle contours of his face. This level of detail suggests an interest in individual character, a hallmark of Renaissance portraiture. Who was this young man? Was it an idealized figure, or a portrait of someone from Altdorfer’s own social circle? What does the image tell us about the period's understanding of youth, beauty, and masculinity? These are just some of the questions that come to mind when considering Altdorfer’s thoughtful and intimate portrayal. The artwork invites us to reflect on the transient nature of youth, and perhaps to consider our own place in the longer arc of history.