Artwork

St. Christopher with the Birds

St. Christopher with the Birds, by Albrecht Dürer, 1502
St. Christopher with the Birds, by Albrecht Dürer, 1502

St. Christopher with the Birds is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

About this work

Overview

St. Christopher with the Birds is a print created by Albrecht Dürer around 1502, exemplifying the artist's proficiency in printmaking during the German Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Saint Christopher, traditionally associated with carrying the Christ Child, set within a detailed, naturalistic landscape that includes birds, emphasizing both religious themes and Dürer's attention to natural detail.

Technique & Style

Dürer's mastery of line work and shading is evident, creating texture and depth that guides the viewer's focus towards the central figures, showcasing his technical skill in capturing dimensionality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1502 by Albrecht Dürer, a renowned German Renaissance artist born in Nuremberg in 1471, this work contributed to his European recognition for engravings and woodcuts.

Context

Part of the broader Renaissance movement, this piece reflects the era's blend of religious subjects with advanced artistic techniques, situating Dürer among leading figures of his time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.