Pieta

The Pieta is a poignant drawing executed in pen and black ink, attributed to a follower After Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528. This work, classified as a drawing, was meticulously rendered on cream laid paper before being laid down onto a support of ivory wove paper. Created sometime within the broad range of 1500 to 1699, the drawing originates in Germany and reflects the enduring artistic and compositional influence of the pivotal Northern Renaissance master.

The artwork depicts the iconic Christian subject of the Pietà, showing the Virgin Mary mourning the dead body of Jesus Christ after his removal from the cross. This deeply emotional composition likely derives from a popular original created by Dürer, perhaps an influential engraving or woodcut that circulated widely across Europe. The follower has skillfully employed pen and black ink to replicate the sharp, linear quality characteristic of Dürer’s graphic output. This meticulous drawing technique utilizes detailed cross-hatching and varied line weight to articulate form and volume, emphasizing the weighty sorrow of the figures and the dramatic fall of the drapery.

The existence of this drawing, created centuries after Dürer’s life, serves as an important visual document illustrating how influential compositions were disseminated and replicated throughout Germany and neighboring regions during the 16th and 17th centuries. It demonstrates the persistent study of the master’s style long after his initial production. This significant historical drawing is part of the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it offers scholars invaluable insight into Renaissance drawing practices and the dissemination of artistic ideas. As with many works of this age and cultural importance, high-resolution reproductions often enter the public domain, ensuring global access for educational purposes.