Portrait of Lucas van Leyden Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a three-quarter portrait of a man, rendered in meticulous detail with pen and ink, heightened with washes of brown paint. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes an immediate connection. He wears a distinctive hat, its complex folds carefully observed and translated into delicate lines, suggesting both status and individuality. A high-necked garment, possibly a doublet or shirt, covers his upper torso, its texture indicated through subtle variations in line weight and shading.
The artist’s attention to detail is particularly evident in the rendering of facial features. The eyes are sharply defined, conveying an impression of intelligence and perhaps even a hint of melancholy. Fine lines delineate the mouth and nose, contributing to a sense of realism and psychological depth. The hair, cropped short around the face, frames the subjects visage, emphasizing his youthful appearance.
The tonal range is limited but effectively employed to create a sense of volume and form. The use of hatching and cross-hatching builds up areas of shadow, defining the contours of the face and clothing. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a man’s likeness, the drawing hints at underlying subtexts. The hat, with its elaborate construction, suggests a certain social standing or profession – perhaps an artist or craftsman. The direct gaze implies self-awareness and confidence, inviting the viewer to engage with the subject on a personal level. There is a sense of introspection conveyed through the subtle nuances of expression; it’s not merely a likeness but also a study in character.
The drawings intimate scale and the artist’s meticulous technique suggest that it may have been intended as a preliminary study for a larger work, or perhaps as a personal memento. The presence of faint inscriptions at the bottom corner indicates an attempt to record details, further reinforcing the impression of careful observation and deliberate creation.