Portrait of the artists father, verso – Coats of Arms of the Durer and Holper Families Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The composition presents a heraldic arrangement centered around two coats of arms, framed by elaborate foliate scrollwork against a darkened background. The overall impression is one of formal significance and familial pride.
Dominating the central space are the shields themselves. On the left, we see a shield divided diagonally; the upper portion displays a red field with an open book rendered in gold, suggesting learning or scholarship. The lower section features a dark blue ground with what appears to be a white goat rearing up – a common heraldic charge often associated with fortitude and perseverance. To the right of this shield sits another, similarly divided. Here, the upper portion is a deep green, bearing a silver depiction of a stag in full stride; the lower field is black, displaying an indistinct emblem that requires closer examination for definitive identification.
Superimposed over these shields is a striking figure: a person wearing a red cap adorned with a plume and a dark face, flanked by large, stylized wings. The figure’s posture suggests a sense of authority or guardianship, while the wings imply aspiration or connection to a higher realm. This central figure acts as a visual unifier for the two family lineages represented by the shields.
The surrounding ornamentation contributes significantly to the paintings aesthetic impact. The swirling foliate designs are executed in gold and red, creating a sense of richness and dynamism that draws the eye towards the heraldic elements. These flourishes also serve to elevate the composition beyond a simple display of emblems; they transform it into an artistic statement.
The darkened background contributes to the dramatic effect, allowing the vibrant colors of the coats of arms and the central figure to stand out prominently. The aged appearance of the surface – the visible cracks and discoloration – suggests considerable age and potentially a history of preservation efforts.
Subtly embedded within this formal display is an assertion of lineage and status. The careful arrangement of symbols, combined with the elaborate decorative elements, conveys a message of established heritage and familial importance. The inclusion of the winged figure suggests not only protection but also a connection to ideals beyond the earthly realm – perhaps alluding to aspirations for legacy or divine favor.