The artwork “Johannes Kleberger,” created in 1526 by the artist Albrecht Dürer, is an oil on panel portrait that is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement. The painting is currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. This portrait genre work captures the likeness of an individual named Johannes Kleberger.
The painting features the bust of a man in sharp relief against a dark, flat background, which appears to be a circular frame. This inscribed frame gives the impression that we are looking at a cameo. He is facing three-quarters to the left, with his gaze directed slightly toward the viewer, creating an engaging and introspective look. The man has dark hair, a high forehead, and his facial features are meticulously detailed, embodying the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on realism and individuality.
Around the inner circle of the dark frame, there is Latin writing that provides information about the subject, including his name and possibly his age at the time the portrait was completed. Below the image, there is a small emblem or coat of arms, and on the upper left side within the inner circle, there is a symbol that might be associated with the artist. Overall, the portrait exudes a sense of quiet dignity and thoughtfulness, representative of Dürer’s skill in capturing the essence of his sitters.
