“Head of an Apostle Looking Upward” is an artwork created by Albrecht Dürer in 1508. Dürer was a prominent figure of the Northern Renaissance, and this drawing exemplifies the detailed and precise style characteristic of that art movement. The genre of the artwork falls into the category of portraiture.
The drawing presents a male figure rendered in meticulous detail, showing Dürer’s mastery of line and his keen observation of human anatomy. The apostle’s head is tilted upward, with his gaze directed towards the sky, capturing a moment of intense emotion or revelation. The depth of expression in the eyes suggests a profound inner life or spiritual contemplation. The hair and beard are intricately detailed, showcasing the texture and individual curls with fine, delicate strokes. The light and shadow are used with subtle gradations, giving the portrait a three-dimensional form and a sense of presence. The monochromatic palette emphasizes contour and form over color, allowing the viewer to focus on the expressive quality of the subject’s features and the virtuosity of Dürer’s draftsmanship.
