Nativity

Nativity by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a highly significant example of Renaissance printmaking. Created in 1504, this delicate print utilizes the demanding technique of engraving in black on ivory laid paper. Dürer fundamentally elevated the status of the print medium during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, treating this classification with the same intellectual rigor and meticulous detail typically reserved for painting.

This piece dates from a critical period following the artist's first major journey to Italy, demonstrating his evolving mastery of complex perspective and compositional drama. The work exemplifies the flourishing of graphic arts in early modern Germany, where Dürer became the defining figure of his generation. While the composition details the familiar New Testament subject matter, the artist’s treatment emphasizes intricate architectural detail and depth, typical of his mature style.

The precision required for engraving allows Dürer to render subtle textures and precise line work, creating deep shadow and bright highlights that give the scene its powerful, dramatic atmosphere. This medium, which requires incredible patience and technical skill, shows Dürer's ability to imbue small-scale prints with monumental presence. As a key work by the master, this print holds substantial art historical value, influencing subsequent generations of German and European artists. Today, high-quality images of this 1504 engraving are widely distributed, contributing to its status as an important public domain work. This exceptional example of Dürer’s graphic output is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.