The artwork titled “Nuremberg woman in house dress” is a portrait crafted by the artist Albrecht Dürer around 1500-1501. This piece is representative of the Northern Renaissance art movement and is categorized as a portrait genre. The artwork is housed in the Albertina museum located in Vienna, Austria.
This particular drawing depicts a full-length figure of a woman seen from the side, turned slightly towards the viewer. She is dressed in the typical house attire of a woman from Nuremberg in the early 16th century. The clothing includes a long dress with a tight bodice and full skirt, likely made of a sturdy fabric to serve as practical wear for household tasks. The woman’s head is covered with a voluminous bonnet, and she is adorned with a distinctive, thickly padded roll, which was a common headwear accessory at the time.
Her expression is calm, and her gaze is directed away from the artist, which adds a candid and naturalistic element to the portrait. She stands straight and clasped hands indicate a position of attentiveness or patience. The woman has a key ring attached to her waist, suggesting her role as a housekeeper or a significant responsibility within the household, given the symbolism of keys during that period. The artist’s signature monogram, “AD,” is visible at the bottom of the drawing. Overall, the portrait is a fine example of Dürer’s skill in capturing the details and fashions of his era with precision and clarity.
