ALBRECHT DÜRER - Portrait Of A Young Woman With Her Hair Down

THE ARTWORK

Albrecht Dürer's "Portrait of a Young Woman with Her Hair Down" is a delicate and intimate depiction of a young woman, created in 1497. The portrait stands out for its naturalism and sensitivity, showcasing the young woman's soft features and loose, flowing hair, which was unusual for portraits of women at the time, as they were typically depicted with their hair bound or covered.

The identity of the young woman remains uncertain. Scholars have debated her identity, but no definitive conclusion has been reached. Some suggest that she might have been someone close to Dürer, possibly a family member or acquaintance, while others speculate that she could have been an idealized figure rather than a specific individual.

One of the most common theories is that the woman may be Agnes Frey, Dürer's wife, whom he married in 1494. However, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this. The informal and intimate nature of the portrait, with the woman’s hair left loose—a feature generally associated with unmarried or unadorned women—adds to the mystery and personal quality of the painting.

Dürer's remarkable attention to detail, from the subtle shading of the face to the texture of the hair, reflects his deep study of human anatomy and his interest in individual expression. The portrait conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and reveals Dürer’s growing skill in capturing the human figure with both technical precision and emotional depth, hallmarks of his artistry during the Northern Renaissance.

THE ARTIST

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) was a German Renaissance artist renowned for his mastery of various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and engraving. Born in Nuremberg, Dürer apprenticed with local painters before traveling to study in the Netherlands and Italy, where he was influenced by the works of Italian Renaissance masters. He became known for his precise draftsmanship, innovative techniques, and intellectual curiosity.

Dürer's prints, such as "Melencolia I" and "Knight, Death and the Devil," are celebrated for their technical virtuosity and symbolic complexity, reflecting his interests in mathematics, philosophy, and theology. His paintings, including "Self-Portrait at Twenty-Eight" and "Adam and Eve," demonstrate his skill in portraying human anatomy and emotion.

Dürer's work had a profound impact on European art, elevating printmaking to a respected medium and influencing subsequent generations of artists. He also authored influential treatises on proportion and perspective, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit