Artwork

Christ Taking Leave from His Mother

Christ Taking Leave from His Mother, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1504
Christ Taking Leave from His Mother, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1504

Christ Taking Leave from His Mother is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Honolulu Museum of Art.

About this work

This woodcut shows Mary kneeling before Jesus, who gently touches her shoulder.

This woodcut shows Mary kneeling before Jesus, who gently touches her shoulder. Both stand in a rocky landscape under a cloudy sky.

Dürer carved this in 1504-05. The scene feels quiet, not dramatic. Jesus’s calm face stands out. The lines are sharp, typical of woodcut prints.

Look for the way light falls on Jesus’s hand. That small detail makes it unforgettable.

National Gallery of Art, Washington

Overview

Christ Taking Leave from His Mother is a woodcut print by Albrecht Dürer, created around 1504-05. It is a religious scene rendered in a calm and contemplative manner.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a poignant moment between Jesus Christ and his mother Mary, set against a rocky landscape under a cloudy sky. Mary kneels before Jesus, who gently places his hand on her shoulder, conveying a sense of tender farewell.

Technique & Style

Dürer's expertise in woodcut technique is evident in the sharp, precise lines that define the figures and landscape. The print's quiet mood is enhanced by the subtle play of light, particularly on Jesus's hand, which adds depth to the scene.

History & Provenance

The woodcut is now held in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, a testament to its enduring significance. Created in the early 16th century, it remains a notable example of Dürer's work.

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: Honolulu Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.