The Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman is an exquisite oil on elm panel painting created by the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer in 1505. This small bust-length portrait, measuring 35 x 26 cm, is a testament to Dürer's skill and influence during his second visit to Italy.

Artistic Style and Influence

The painting showcases the harmony and grace achieved through the mixture of tones, from the subject's pale skin and reddish-blond hair to her black-and-pearl necklace and highly fashionable patterned dress. The flat black background highlights these elements, creating a sense of depth and contrast. Dürer's style in this work is similar to his A German Woman from Venice, while also reflecting the influence of Giovanni Bellini, an established master he befriended during his Italian sojourn.

Historical Context and Provenance

The portrait was executed during Dürer's second visit to Italy, where he became fascinated by the local art scene. The identity of the sitter remains unknown, but her dress and hairstyle suggest she is Venetian rather than Germanic. The painting was not identified as a Dürer original until it was discovered in a private Lithuanian collection in 1923. For more information on Albrecht Dürer's works, visit: https://ArtsDot.com/@@/D3U56Y- and https://ArtsDot.com/@@/5ZKBET-.

Composition and Technique

The woman's hair frames her face in soft waves, confined at the back by a small draped cap. Her patterned gown features tied-on sleeves that show the chemise beneath. The work's harmony is achieved through its mixtures of tones, from her pale skin and reddish-blond hair to her black-and-pearl necklace and highly fashionable patterned dress. Lighting plays a crucial role in this painting, as it does in many of Dürer's works, creating a sense of depth and volume. As explained on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_in_painting, light is a fundamental factor in the technical representation of a work.

• The painting is currently housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
• For more information on the museum and its collection, visit: https://ArtsDot.com/@@/A@D3B5E3-The-Museum-Josephplatz-(Vienna-Austria)
• To learn more about European art and its history, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_of_Europe

Handmade oil paintings reproductions of the Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman are available on https://ArtsDot.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of history.
The significance of this painting lies not only in its beauty but also in its representation of the artistic exchange between Northern Europe and Italy during the Renaissance. Dürer's influence can be seen in the soft modeling, dramatic lighting, and vivid colors and tones.