DÜRER, Albrecht
(b. 1471, Nürnberg, d. 1528, Nürnberg)

The Negress Katherina

1521
Silverpoint drawing on paper, 20 x 14 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Dürer drew the Negress Katherina, the servant of the Portuguese factor João Brandão in Antwerp, when she was aged "20 Jar," according to the handwritten note. The portrait drawing is part of a group of works that were created for reasons of personal interest. The portrayed woman is gazing directly at the observer. The curves of her face are modeled with fine lines and cross-hatchings.