St. Anthony

St. Anthony, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a significant example of Northern Renaissance graphic art. Executed in 1519, this work is a superb engraving printed in black ink on fine ivory laid paper. Dürer’s unparalleled mastery of the burin is evident in the incredibly precise, dense network of lines that define the subject and create dramatic tonal variation. As a print, this piece demonstrates the high value placed on easily reproducible media during the German Renaissance, allowing the widespread dissemination of religious iconography to private collectors and the broader public across Germany.

The subject is Saint Anthony the Hermit, traditionally depicted here in a moment of solitary meditation or prayer. This rendition shows the saint in profile, wearing simple robes and seated near his traditional attributes, including a walking staff. Dürer, who operated during the height of intellectual and spiritual transformation in Germany, frequently utilized the format of the single-figure print to convey deep spiritual intensity and contemplation. The meticulous detail and controlled composition are characteristic of the technical peak of Dürer’s graphic output around 1519, cementing his reputation as the foremost exponent of the medium in his era.

This high-quality impression is part of the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars access to a key work by the master. Because the work is historically significant and centuries old, high-resolution reproductions of Dürer’s original prints often fall within the public domain, ensuring continued accessibility for researchers and admirers of early modern European art. The enduring impact of this celebrated German master is secured through works like St. Anthony.