Durer is known to be one of the most influential artist's of the northern renaissance. Albrecht Durer's self portrait created much controversy due to its close resemblance to Christ. The poised like stance and facial features all create the holy feeling of Jesus. This similarity causes us to question why he has chosen to paint himself to resemble this religious leader. In relation to humanism Durers self portrait shows us he is developing his own ideas and opinions of what he is like as a person. If you weren't overall blinded by the image of Christ, you probably began to think that this image is bluntly egotistic. This piece makes Durer come across as a superior being rather than just a plain self portrait of a man."Why Dürer chose to portray himself like this is unknown, though it is likely that it was a combination of arrogance and a desire by a young and ambitious artist to acknowledge that his great talents were given to him by God". The use of his signature in his work also strokes the ego. At that point in time it wasn't common practice to sign your work, which emphasised the idea of self promotion. The fur coat worn by Durer in this image makes us aware of his wealth and success.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-Portrait_(D%C3%BCrer)
I am quite agree with you. Albrecht Durer, was born to a middle-age craftsman family in Nürnberg Germany.Also I think Durer lived in a country where artists’ have lowest social positonon, but he became one of the best wood cut and etcher and a most independent and proud artist in Europe at his time.Because of he was generally regarded as the greatest German Renaissance artist，german traditon makes Durer to hold some hits of Gothicism. At the same time, he surprised people with some Baroque features.
ReplyDeleteI agree that his painting created some controversy due to the fact that he painted himself in a Christ-like image. People questioned his morals and ideas behind this very painting as to what he was trying to say with this painting.
ReplyDeleteKnob, which is simply just his signature, is definitely egotistical of him as you said it was highly uncommon for someone to do something like that during the current era. For those that didn’t know him, he created a message as for them to go find out who this man is who dares to only sign his name on a piece he calls art.
I agree too, it was quite arrogant of Durer to sign his work and paint himself as a christ like figure. However the artist social status is increased.Durer has portrayed through this self portrait how he himself wants to be seen as an artist. It is worked people today still question this piece of work. In a way its sort of like this is who I am your either going to like it or your not.
ReplyDeleteIt is also quite interesting that Durer married into a well of family. I guess you have to do what you have to do. By doing this it definetly would have pushed him up the social ladder.
ReplyDeleteyes,he is is definitely egotistical of him as you said.but I think he is great that he is so brave to do this. just sign his name on a piece of paper that is called art.
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