Artwork
The Penance of St. John Chrysostom
The Penance of St. John Chrysostom is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer created The Penance of St. John Chrysostom around 1496. This print is representative of Dürer's early work, showcasing his skill in a medium that contributed to his European reputation.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts St. John Chrysostom in a moment of ascetic devotion, holding a child. The scene conveys themes of repentance and spiritual discipline, characteristic of early Christian sainthood.
Technique & Style
The work features a serene atmosphere, with the saint surrounded by natural elements and a distant landscape. Dürer's use of detail and composition reflects the Renaissance style, which often incorporated religious themes and symbolism.
History & Provenance
The Penance of St. John Chrysostom is now held in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, a testament to its enduring significance in the art historical canon.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
