Albrecht Dürer – Portrait of the artists father Uffizi

The portrait presents a man in three-quarter view, positioned against a dark green backdrop that emphasizes his presence and directs attention towards his features. He is dressed in a dark woolen cap, a simple tunic with a high collar, and a reddish-brown cloak draped over his shoulders. The fabric’s texture is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the artists skill in depicting material qualities.
The man holds a small cluster of red berries in his hands, which are brought forward into the viewer’s space. This gesture introduces an element of intimacy and perhaps symbolic weight to the composition. The berries themselves could be interpreted as representing fertility, abundance, or even a subtle reference to Christian iconography – though their significance remains open to interpretation within the context of the portrait.
The mans face is marked by age; lines are evident around his eyes and mouth, suggesting experience and perhaps a certain weariness. His expression is somber, almost melancholic, conveying a sense of introspection or quiet dignity. The lighting highlights the planes of his face, creating depth and emphasizing the texture of his skin. A small inscription appears near the top left corner, adding another layer to the work’s narrative – potentially indicating a date or identifying information.
The overall effect is one of restrained realism and psychological complexity. Here we see not merely a likeness but an attempt to capture the inner life of the sitter. The artists attention to detail in rendering both physical attributes and emotional state suggests a desire to portray a man of substance, someone whose character is shaped by time and circumstance. The subdued color palette reinforces this sense of gravity and seriousness, contributing to the portrait’s overall contemplative mood.