Artwork

Sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt

Sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1504
Sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1504

Sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt is a woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer around 1504, portraying a religious scene featuring Jesus Christ and Mary.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene scene of the Holy Family's sojourn in Egypt, with Mary and Jesus Christ as the central figures, accompanied by a donkey, set amidst simple, natural surroundings of trees.

Technique & Style

Notably crafted using the woodcut technique, the work showcases Dürer's attention to detail, evident in the intricate rendering of clothing and facial expressions, achieved through carving a design into wood.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1504, the woodcut's technique facilitated mass reproduction, enabling widespread dissemination of the image, playing a significant role in the propagation of religious narratives during its time.

Context

Produced in the early 16th century, this work reflects the era's religious themes and the burgeoning capability for art to reach broader audiences through printmaking techniques like woodcutting.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this particular work are not highlighted, it contributes to Dürer's broader influence on the development and popularity of woodcut prints in European art.

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.