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

Head of an Angel

1506
Brush drawing on blue Venetian paper, 270 x 208 mm
Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna

There are a total of 22 preliminary studies, every one of which can be considered an autonomous work of art, in which Dürer prepared the Feast of the Rose Garlands (Národní Galerie, Prague). The head of the lute-playing angel by the Madonna's feet is a masterpiece of drawing. The technique of the brush drawing with white highlights on blue paper was one Dürer became acquainted with in Venice. The interplay of white and dark parallel and cross-hatchings which gently follow the curves of the face create the plastic effect of the light and dark shades.




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