Self-portrait (1498)

Dated 1498, "Self-portrait" is an artwork by Albrecht Dürer. About the period around 1498: Printing with movable type spread across Europe in these decades, and woodcuts and engravings began to circulate images far more widely than hand-painted work ever could. In East Asia, the Ming dynasty in China and the Muromachi period in Japan continued their own long traditions of ink painting and calligraphy. It is listed in the Figurative collection. The image is in portrait orientation. Background on Figurative: Figurative art depicts people and recognisable scenes, and it has been central to European painting since antiquity. Over the centuries, painters have used the figure to express social standing, narrative, and emotion.

"Self-portrait" is offered as a printable file (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI) rather than a shipped item. You receive the files by email after payment and handle printing yourself, which gives you full control over paper, size, and finish. A portrait format suits narrow wall spaces, hallways, and the area beside a door or window. Measuring the wall before choosing a size is the simplest way to avoid a print that feels too small or too large. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing.

German, 1471–1528

If you like the visual language of Albrecht Dürer, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.