Portrait of Ruprecht Thenn (1512-1545) 1516

This portrait of Ruprecht Thenn, made around 1516 by an unknown artist, is rendered in oil paint on a wood panel. The smooth, almost porcelain-like finish belies the careful layering of pigments, a process demanding patience and skill. The artist has used the inherent qualities of oil paint to capture the soft textures of the boy's hair and the subtle gradations of his skin. Notice how the luminous quality of the paint creates a sense of depth, particularly in the background landscape. The colours would have been carefully ground by hand from precious minerals, a costly process. The commission of such a portrait speaks volumes about the sitter’s social standing. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was a display of wealth, of access to skilled labor and rare materials. This portrait sits at the intersection of art, craft, and social status.