Artwork

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1500
The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1500

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne is a religious engraving by Albrecht Dürer, dating to around 1500. It features three central figures in a serene composition.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays a familial scene of Christian significance: the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, while her mother, Saint Anne, looks on with a protective presence, conveying a sense of maternal care and religious devotion.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed his characteristic cross-hatching technique, using dense, tiny lines to achieve soft, realistic shading. Notably, the hair of the figures is rendered in meticulous detail, resembling individual threads.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1500, specific details about the engraving's original commission or early ownership are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects Dürer's contribution to the flourishing of religious art in Northern Europe during the early 16th century, blending traditional Christian themes with emerging Renaissance techniques.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the engraving's meticulous technique and serene composition contribute to Dürer's reputation as a master printmaker of his era.

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.

British Museum

Museum

British Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: British Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.