Brustbild eines Mannes mit Spitzbart 

Lorenz Strauch rendered this portrait of a man with a pointed beard using graphite and colored chalk. Strauch’s choice of materials speaks to the growing accessibility of paper and drawing media during the Renaissance. Graphite, mined and processed into pencils, became a favored tool for studies and portraits, as seen here. The subtle blending of graphite and colored chalk creates a lifelike texture, capturing the man’s furrowed brow and the intricate ruff around his neck. While oil paint was becoming increasingly popular for formal portraiture, the immediacy of drawing allowed artists to create more informal likenesses, meeting a growing demand from the burgeoning middle class for images of themselves and their families. This shift in artistic practice reflects a broader change in society, where art was no longer solely the domain of the wealthy elite but accessible to a wider audience. The portrait's power comes from its inherent connection to labor, politics, and consumption, offering a glimpse into a transformative era. By valuing the skills and processes involved, we can see the social and cultural significance embedded within.