Artwork

Christ Taking Leave of his Mother

Christ Taking Leave of his Mother, by Albrecht Altdorfer, ink, 1513
Christ Taking Leave of his Mother, by Albrecht Altdorfer, ink, 1513

Christ Taking Leave of his Mother is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Taking Leave of his Mother is a woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1513. It exemplifies the artist's work during the German Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

The woodcut depicts a poignant scene from the New Testament: Jesus bidding farewell to his mother, Mary, before embarking on his journey. This moment is rendered with simplicity, conveying a sense of intimacy and emotional depth.

Technique & Style

Altdorfer employed the woodcut technique to create this work, characterized by simple yet expressive lines. As a leading figure of the Danube School, he was known for integrating religious scenes into detailed landscapes, often emphasizing the natural setting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist

Albrecht Altdorfer

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…

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