Asia: Module 4

Portrait of Sin Sukju, 15th century, ink and color on silk, 167 x 109.5 cm

Albrecht Dürer, Self-portrait, 1500

                                                  

You could say that both of these paintings have a purpose and a message, but what are they? The purpose of Albrecht Durer's portrait may have been simply that it was created special for a celebration of the saeculum, by the circle of the Renaissance scholar Conrad Celtes. Durer was also in this group. One article I read was intriguing to me. It said that portraiture of the time was traditionally made in a three quarter spread not face on like this one. The frontal compositions were used for religious artworks only which may lead us to ask if he did this on purpose. In regards to the portrait of Sin Sukju, it was created to honor the accomplishments of the accomplished and authoritative court member who would later be the prime minister. This painting suggests his loyalty to the king and is worthy of respect. The Portrait of Sin Sukju is considered to be a piece holding propaganda. This is because of its use to show the dominance from the government over the people of South Korea. Even though that is tied to the portrait, it did serve as a site of ritual to Sin Sukju's family and guided their worship. 

Circling back to Durer's self portrait, I want to talk more about the fact that the art piece is forward facing. Not only is this position normally reserved for Christ, but that Durer himself resembles Christ. I know that this quote is quite long, but it's well worth the read:

~His hair is of the colour of the ripe hazel-nut, straight down to the ears, but below the ears wavy and curled, with a bluish and bright reflection, flowing over his shoulders. It is parted in two on the top of the head, after the pattern of the Nazarenes. His brow is smooth and very cheerful with a face without wrinkle or spot, embellished by a slightly reddish complexion. His nose and mouth are faultless. His beard is abundant, of the colour of his hair, not long, but divided at the chin. His aspect is simple and mature, his eyes are changeable and bright. He is terrible in his reprimands, sweet and amiable in his admonitions, cheerful without loss of gravity. He was never known to laugh, but often to weep. His stature is straight, his hands and arms beautiful to behold. His conversation is grave, infrequent, and modest. He is the most beautiful among the children of men.~

This was a quote that appeared in a letter written from Lentulus, a Roman Official who gave a detailed description of Christ. Now, comparing this to Durer's self portrait, it's hard not to see the connection. Did Durer actually paint himself in the presentation of Christ? If so, why?

In the days that Albrecht Durer was living, paintings were made for commission. With that in mind it is unlikely that the portrait was intended for commission but instead was to show off his painting technique of different textures and skill of observation. 

Sources 

“205. Portrait of Sin Sukju - AP Art History.” Google Sites. Accessed February 18, 2021. https://sites.google.com/site/adairarthistory/viii-south-east-and-southeast-asia/205-portrait-of-sin-sukju. 

“Self-Portrait by Albrecht Dürer: History, Analysis & Facts.” Arthive. Accessed February 18, 2021. https://arthive.com/albrechtdurer/works/10691~Selfportrait. 

Jones, Christopher P. “How To Read Paintings: Self-Portrait by Albrecht Dürer.” Medium. Thinksheet, December 17, 2020. https://medium.com/thinksheet/how-to-read-paintings-self-portrait-by-albrecht-d%C3%BCrer-7bfbb148b691. 

Brennan, Dr. Kristen Loring, and Dr. Kristen Loring Brennan. “Portrait of Sin Sukju.” Smarthistory. Accessed February 18, 2021. https://smarthistory.org/portrait-of-sin-sukju/. 

Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker, and Dr. Beth Harris. “Albrecht Dürer, Self-Portrait (1500).” Smarthistory. Accessed February 18, 2021. https://smarthistory.org/albrecht-durer-self-portrait-1500/.