Saint Christopher Facing Left

The engraving Saint Christopher Facing Left by Albrecht Dürer, executed in 1521, exemplifies the technical brilliance of the German Renaissance master’s late output. This delicate print, created on laid paper, depicts the legendary figure of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Dürer’s focus on crisp lines and volumetric form showcases his transition toward a more refined and mature engraving style during this pivotal time in Central European art history.

Falling within the highly productive artistic period of 1501 to 1550, this print illustrates the popular iconography of the saint struggling against the increasing weight of the Christ Child, who stands upon his shoulder and represents the burdens of the entire world. As a master of the burin, Dürer used the intricate nature of the engraving medium to render the texture of the saint’s tunic and the powerful, swirling currents of the river he attempts to cross. The small scale of the work belies the remarkable density of detail achieved by the artist, a consistent hallmark of his graphic works.

Dürer revolutionized the distribution and artistic perception of prints, establishing the medium's value throughout Europe during the early sixteenth century. This allowed his influential compositions to spread widely. Due to the inherent quality and immense demand for his work during his lifetime, many surviving examples, including this particular impression, have been preserved in public institutions. This significant German piece is held in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As a major surviving work from the era, high-resolution reproductions of this image are frequently accessible through public domain initiatives, allowing widespread study and appreciation of Dürer’s continued influence on subsequent generations of artists.