Albrecht Dürer – Johannes Kleberger (1486-1546) Kunsthistorisches Museum

The portrait presents a man depicted within a circular frame, his head turned slightly towards the viewer. He possesses dark, wavy hair that frames a face characterized by a prominent nose and a serious expression. The skin tones are rendered with meticulous detail, suggesting an emphasis on realism and individual characteristics. Light falls across the face from the left, highlighting the contours of the cheekbones and jawline while casting subtle shadows that add depth to the representation.
The man’s gaze is direct, conveying a sense of self-assuredness or perhaps even introspection. The artist has paid close attention to the texture of the hair, capturing individual strands with remarkable precision. A dark green background serves as a backdrop for an inscription in Latin, which encircles the figure and appears to state his name and age.
Two heraldic shields are positioned at the lower corners of the composition. One displays a coat of arms featuring a lion rampant on a field of gold, while the other presents a different design with red and white stripes and what seems to be a depiction of a bird or mythical creature. The date 1526 is inscribed in numerals near the upper right corner, providing a temporal anchor for the work.
The circular format itself suggests an allusion to classical portraiture, evoking associations with Roman busts and medallions. This stylistic choice elevates the subject beyond a mere likeness, implying a sense of importance or status. The inclusion of the Latin inscription and heraldic symbols further reinforces this notion, suggesting that the man was likely someone of significance within his community – perhaps a patron, official, or member of an aristocratic family.
The overall effect is one of restrained dignity and careful observation. It’s not merely a representation of physical appearance but also a statement about identity, lineage, and social standing.