Dürer's Self-Portrait at 28: Imitating Christ in 1500
In 1500, renowned artist Albrecht Dürer created his notable final self-portrait, titled "Self-Portrait at 28 Years Old Wearing a Coat with Fur Collar," just before he turned 29. This artwork is treasured for its intricate detail and artistic importance. Dürer, depicting himself in a frontal stance for the first time in a secular context, presents a pose reminiscent of Christ, featuring dark tones and symmetry. Notably, he opted for brown hair rather than his natural reddish-blond. The painting includes his initials ‘AD’ and a date inscription, and it is housed at Munich's Alte Pinakothek museum.
Key facts
- Albrecht Dürer painted Self-Portrait at 28 Years Old Wearing a Coat with Fur Collar in early 1500.
- It is the last of his three painted self-portraits.
- The painting resembles earlier representations of Christ.
- Dürer idealized his appearance, changing his nose shape and hair color.
- A frontal pose was exceptional for a secular portrait in 1500.
- The monogram 'AD' and Latin inscription are at eye-level.
- The year '1500' also signifies Anno Domini.
- The painting is located at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
Entities
Artists
- Albrecht Dürer
- Hans Memling
- Hans Holbein
- Henry VIII of England
Institutions
- Albertina Museum
- Alte Pinakothek
- Norton Simon Museum
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Munich
- Germany
- Nuremberg
- Pasadena
- CA
- USA