Saint Christopher Facing Right

Saint Christopher Facing Right by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1521, is a masterful example of the German Renaissance artist's extraordinary skill in printmaking. This small devotional work, classified as a print, was executed using the precise technique of engraving on laid paper. The composition captures the dramatic moment of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child across a treacherous river. Facing right, the towering figure of the saint leans heavily on his staff, struggling against the powerful current and the increasing, supernatural weight of the infant, who holds the globe of the world, symbolizing his divine authority. The meticulous level of detail Dürer achieved in rendering the turbulent water and the coarse drapery of the saint exemplifies his absolute mastery of the burin.

Produced late in Dürer’s career, this highly finished engraving exhibits the profound depth and precise linework characteristic of his mature style. The work reflects the intense theological engagement of the German cultural sphere during the early 16th century, a time frame often identified as 1501 to 1550. Dürer achieved exceptional textures and tonal variations by manipulating the density and direction of his engraved lines, showcasing why he remains one of history’s most influential masters of the medium.

Like many of Dürer’s standalone religious subjects, this print was intended for widespread circulation, confirming its importance as a repeatable image accessible to a broad audience. The technical brilliance of these historical prints ensures their enduring status in major collections worldwide. This particular impression of Saint Christopher Facing Right is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, the original copper plate and resulting impressions are often considered part of the public domain heritage, allowing scholars and enthusiasts continued access to Dürer’s revolutionary designs.