Artwork
St. Christopher Crossing the Water with Christ on his Shoulders
St. Christopher Crossing the Water with Christ on his Shoulders is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer’s 1513 print depicts Saint Christopher wading through turbulent water while a child, identified as Christ, rests on his shoulders. The composition captures a moment of physical strain and spiritual duty, set against a storm‑laden landscape of trees, rocks and churning waves.
Subject & Meaning
The image illustrates the legend of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, who is said to have carried a child across a river, only to discover the child was the Christ child bearing the weight of the world. The juxtaposition of the saint’s muscular effort with the serene infant underscores themes of sacrifice and divine burden.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work showcases Altdorfer’s characteristic line work: sharply defined contours and dynamic, almost tactile rendering of water, foliage and clothing. The energetic strokes convey movement, while the dense hatching creates depth and texture, reflecting the expressive naturalism typical of the Danube School.
History & Provenance
Altdorfer, a leading figure of the Danube School and a member of the Nuremberg Little Masters, produced this piece alongside his detailed engravings. The print was likely circulated among collectors of religious imagery in early‑16th‑century Germany, though its exact ownership trail before entering modern collections remains undocumented.
Context
Created during the Northern Renaissance, the print aligns with contemporary interests in integrating biblical narratives within vivid, natural settings. Altdorfer’s emphasis on landscape as a central element mirrors broader trends among German artists who sought to elevate nature from background to a co‑equal participant in the story.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
