Artwork

Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child, by Albrecht Dürer, oil, 1526
Madonna and Child, by Albrecht Dürer, oil, 1526

Madonna and Child is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

This 1526 oil painting by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent German Renaissance artist, portrays the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, exemplifying Northern Renaissance themes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene moment with the Virgin Mary, distinguished by her long red-gold hair and soft pink attire, gently interacting with the Christ Child, who gestures towards her face while holding an unidentified small object.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs chiaroscuro, evident in the contrasting shadows on the subject's neck and the child's face, set against warm, calming colors, creating a sense of tranquil intimacy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1526, the painting is part of the Uffizi Gallery's collection, reflecting Dürer's later shift towards religious paintings after initial acclaim for his woodcuts and engravings.

Context

As a Northern Renaissance work, it reflects the region's characteristic attention to detail and emotional depth, differing from contemporaneous Italian Renaissance styles.

Legacy

While specific influence of this piece is not broadly highlighted in available information, it contributes to Dürer's legacy as a versatile artist, showcasing his skill in oil painting alongside his renowned printmaking.

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.

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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