St. Christopher Facing To The Right

St. Christopher Facing To The Right by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is an outstanding example of the Northern Renaissance master’s technical prowess in printmaking. Executed in 1521, this detailed image is an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing the incredible precision Dürer achieved with the burin. Created near the end of the artist’s prolific career, the work reflects the intense focus on spiritual and humanistic subjects characteristic of early 16th-century Germany.

The engraving centers on the giant St. Christopher, the legendary patron saint of travelers, depicted wading through turbulent waters. He struggles under the weight of his burden, the Christ Child, whom he carries on his shoulders, demonstrating the popular narrative of faith and service. Dürer’s unparalleled skill is evident in the dynamic line work used to define the saint’s powerful musculature and the intricate folds of his garment, contrasting sharply with the delicacy of the infant Jesus. The use of deep hatching creates textural richness and profound atmospheric contrast, a hallmark of Dürer’s celebrated prints.

As a devotional image widely circulated throughout Germany, the work highlights the critical role prints played in disseminating religious iconography prior to the Reformation. This piece is a significant component of the Art Institute of Chicago’s extensive collection of Northern European prints. Because of their historical age and cultural importance, seminal artworks like this engraving by Dürer frequently enter the public domain, allowing global access to reproductions of the masterful design and technique.