Saint Eustace

Saint Eustace by Albrecht Dürer, created around 1501, is a monumental example of the German master’s technical skill in copperplate engraving. This finely detailed print captures the legendary moment of conversion of the Roman general Placidus, who became the martyr Saint Eustace, while hunting in the wilderness.

The composition centers around the miraculous apparition: Placidus encounters a large stag, the iconic deer bearing a radiant crucifix between its antlers. Dürer meticulously renders the complexity of the forested setting, using finely modulated lines to create deep shadows and atmospheric perspective among the many trees. In the foreground, the artist showcases his expertise in depicting animal anatomy, including the three highly detailed horses and several energetic hunting dogs accompanying the general.

Produced during a period defining the German Northern Renaissance, this engraving served a critical role in establishing Dürer’s reputation across Europe. Prints like this were highly valued for their portability and artistic quality, allowing widespread access to the master's unique vision of naturalism and spiritual drama. Dürer's handling of the medium is exemplary, showcasing a mastery of line work that allows the scene to feel monumental despite the size of the print. This influential work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains a cornerstone example of early 16th-century printmaking.