Albrecht Dürer Der Apostel Bartholomäus – Saint Bartholomew 1523 122370 1124 European art; part 1

The drawing presents a male figure in a full-length pose, leaning slightly against a gnarled tree trunk. He is depicted with considerable detail and a palpable sense of gravitas. The mans face is deeply lined, suggesting age and hardship; a thick beard and unruly hair frame his features, contributing to an overall impression of ruggedness and austerity. His gaze is directed outward, conveying a mixture of stoicism and perhaps resignation.
He wears a voluminous cloak draped over what appears to be a simple tunic or robe. The folds of the fabric are rendered with meticulous cross-hatching, creating a play of light and shadow that emphasizes their texture and weight. A large, sharp knife is held firmly in his right hand, its blade prominently displayed. This object immediately introduces an element of violence and sacrifice into the composition.
The tree against which he leans serves as more than just a compositional device; it functions symbolically. The twisted branches and rough bark suggest resilience and endurance, qualities that might be attributed to the figure himself. The placement of the man directly in front of this natural structure implies a connection between him and the enduring forces of nature.
A small plaque is visible near the lower left corner of the drawing; it bears numerals indicating the year 1523, providing a temporal anchor for the work. This inscription, while seemingly straightforward, also serves to authenticate the piece and situate it within a specific historical context.
Subtleties in the rendering suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediately visible. The man’s posture, though upright, carries a hint of weariness. His expression is not one of triumph or joy but rather of quiet acceptance. This invites contemplation on themes of suffering, faith, and martyrdom. The knife, while representing violence, could also be interpreted as a symbol of sacrifice – a willingness to endure pain for a greater cause. The overall effect is one of profound solemnity and introspection, prompting viewers to consider the complexities of human experience in the face of adversity.