Saint Christopher Facing Right

"Saint Christopher Facing Right" is an engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1521. This masterful print exemplifies Dürer's late period expertise in the medium, demonstrating meticulous control over the burin to render complex textures and monumental forms. The subject, Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, was immensely popular throughout the Northern Renaissance, and Dürer’s representation contributed significantly to the dissemination of this religious image.

The composition centers on Saint Christopher, depicted facing toward the right bank as he struggles to ford a turbulent stream while carrying the Christ Child on his shoulders. Dürer masterfully conveys the sheer physical exertion required, contrasting the towering, weary figure of the saint with the small, authoritative figure of the Child, who holds the globe and raises his hand in blessing. The fine detail in the landscape, from the rippling water to the foliage and distant castle, showcases the sophisticated crosshatching and parallel line work that established Dürer as the preeminent German printmaker of his era.

As a highly sought-after print from the artist’s final years, this image of the steadfast Saint Christopher was widely circulated across Europe. Works such as this reinforced Dürer's lasting reputation and influence on subsequent generations of artists. This specific impression of Saint Christopher Facing Right is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a critical example of Renaissance engraving technique and religious iconography. Due to the historical nature of the piece, high-resolution images of this artwork are frequently available through public domain art initiatives.