The artwork “Apostle Bartholomew” was created by Albrecht Dürer in 1523, a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance movement. This religious painting, which is part of the vast collection at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria, reflects the cultural flourishing of this period with its detailed and precise style.
The artwork features a figure, presumably Apostle Bartholomew, captured in a black and white medium, suggesting that this may be a drawing rather than a painting. The apostle is depicted with a solemn and penetrating gaze, looking directly at the viewer. He is holding what appears to be a long, slender knife or blade, which is a common attribute associated with him, symbolizing his martyrdom. The details of his face, particularly the eyes, beard, and furrowed brow, suggest a wise and weathered individual marked by experience.
Bartholomew is dressed in a cloak with folds and drapery that creates a rich play of light and shadow, showcasing Dürer’s mastery in capturing fabric and depth even in monochrome. The sense of texture in the clothing and the naturalistic portrayal of the figure are typical of Dürer’s attention to realism and his skill in creating convincing human forms. The composition and skilled draftsmanship present in the artwork are indicative of the Northern Renaissance artists’ focus on precision and a deep observation of the natural world and human condition.
