Portrait of a man (John Stabius) 1517

Albrecht Durer made this portrait of John Stabius in 1517 using graphite on paper. It is important to understand Durer's mastery of the medium, he transforms the humble graphite into a powerful tool for capturing light, shadow, and texture. The density of the graphite gives weight and volume to Stabius's face and beard, while the delicate strokes create a soft, almost ethereal quality. Consider the labor involved in producing such a detailed and lifelike image. Each stroke of the graphite is deliberate and precise, building up layers of tone to create a sense of depth and form. Durer's mastery of this material elevates the craft of drawing to the level of fine art, challenging traditional hierarchies and highlighting the importance of skill and technique. The social context here is one where the means of production are shifting, and a skilled artist can make his way in the world. By focusing on the materiality and process of this drawing, we can appreciate the skill of Durer, and how drawing can make a social impact.