Artwork
Christ Taking Leave from His Mother

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
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)













