Portrait of Hamman von Holzhausen (1467-1536) 1529

This is Conrad Faber von Kreuznach's portrait of Hamman von Holzhausen, created with oil paint on a wood panel. Oil paint was itself a relatively new technology at the time, which allowed artists to build up layers of luminosity and realism like never before. Look closely, and you can see how Faber used this to his advantage. Consider the way he captured the weight and texture of Holzhausen's fur-lined coat and elaborate hat. The fine hairs of his beard are also exquisitely rendered. The entire image has been meticulously crafted, layer upon layer, to create the sense of three-dimensional presence. It’s important to remember that portraits like this weren’t just about likeness; they were about status. The oil painting technique itself, the expensive clothing, and the sheer labor-intensive quality of the work, all speak to Holzhausen’s wealth and importance. By focusing on the way this image was constructed, we gain a deeper understanding of its social meaning.