Who painted The Holy Family with the Mayfly?

The Holy Family with the Mayfly was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1496.

Where can I see The Holy Family with the Mayfly?

The Holy Family with the Mayfly is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Holy Family with the Mayfly?

The Holy Family with the Mayfly is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Holy Family with the Mayfly?

Museum-quality prints of The Holy Family with the Mayfly are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Holy Family with the Mayfly

Albrecht Dürer , 1496

The Holy Family with the Mayfly is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Holy Family with the Mayfly is a small engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer around 1495. Measuring only 4 by 3 inches, it is renowned for its intricate detail despite its compact size.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Mary holding the Christ Child, with a mayfly perched on her finger. The mayfly, an insect with a brief lifespan, may symbolize the transience of life, exemplifying the era's practice of embedding deeper meanings within subtle details.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed fine lines to achieve pronounced shadows and textures, particularly notable in the contrast between the mayfly's realism and Mary's smooth skin, showcasing his mastery of engraving techniques.

History & Provenance

Widely popular, the engraving was copied by other printmakers within five years of its creation. It is held in prominent collections worldwide, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the UK Royal Collection.