Portrait of a Young Man; (reverse) Girl Making a Garland

Hans Süss von Kulmbach

Created:
Movement:
1513
Renaissance
key Notes:
Dual-sided composition; Renaissance portraiture.
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Dimensions:
7 x 5 1/2 in. (17.8 x 14 cm)
medium:
Oil on poplar
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Portrait of a Young Man; (reverse) Girl Making a Garland" is a painting attributed to Hans Süss von Kulmbach, created around 1508. The work features a double-sided composition, with a portrait of a young man on one side and an image of a girl making a garland on the reverse. Hans Süss von Kulmbach was a German painter known for his detailed and expressive portraits, as well as his religious and mythological scenes. The identity of the young man depicted in the portrait remains unknown. The girl in the reverse image is also unidentified, and the significance of the garland she is making is not explicitly documented. The painting exemplifies the early 16th-century Northern Renaissance style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and rich color. The work is currently housed in a private collection, and its provenance prior to the 20th century is not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"Portrait of a Young Man; (reverse) Girl Making a Garland" by Hans Süss von Kulmbach, created circa 1508, features a young male figure rendered in oil on a poplar panel. The portrait displays a detailed and realistic representation of the subject, characterized by a serene expression and meticulously painted facial features. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, while the rich color palette contributes to the overall depth of the work. The reverse side of the panel depicts a girl engaged in the act of making a garland, showcasing a contrasting theme of youth and innocence. This secondary image is executed with a similar attention to detail, emphasizing the delicate nature of the garland and the girl's gentle demeanor. The composition is balanced, with both figures occupying distinct yet harmonious spaces within their respective contexts. The painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, marked by its emphasis on realism and intricate detail.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Portrait of a Young Man; (reverse) Girl Making a Garland