Artwork

Saint Apollonia

Saint Apollonia, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1500
Saint Apollonia, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1500

Saint Apollonia is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Apollonia is a woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer around 1500, portraying the Christian martyr of the same name.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Saint Apollonia, often symbolized with teeth or pincers, referencing her martyrdom by tooth extraction. This imagery highlights her endurance and suffering for her faith.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed bold lines and simple geometric shapes in the woodcut, characteristic of the stylistic conventions prevalent during the early 16th century.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1500, specific details about the print's ownership history are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects the religious themes common in early 16th-century European art, with Dürer's technique exemplifying the era's woodcut practices.

Legacy

As part of Dürer's oeuvre, Saint Apollonia contributes to the artist's influence on subsequent European printmaking and religious iconography.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.