The Holy Family on a Grassy Bench

Albrecht Dürer created the woodcut The Holy Family on a Grassy Bench in 1526. Executed on laid paper, this detailed print exemplifies the technical refinement achieved by German masters during the height of the Renaissance, specifically within the period of 1501 to 1550. Dürer, already widely renowned, utilized this intimate religious scene to showcase the expressive capabilities of relief printing, elevating the status of woodcuts from simple illustrations to independent works of high art.

The composition features the Virgin Mary seated beside Saint Joseph, while the Christ Child plays or rests near them. Unlike many earlier depictions that placed the Holy Family in grand architectural settings, Dürer anchors the figures in a naturalistic domestic environment. The meticulous handling of the woodcut medium allows for deep contrasts and fine textural detail, particularly visible in the careful rendering of the drapery folds and the surrounding foliage of the grassy bench. The precision necessary for these complex prints demonstrates Dürer’s profound understanding of line work and crosshatching, which creates a sense of volume and depth that rivals the sophistication of contemporary engravings.

As one of the final graphic works executed by the master before his death in 1528, this piece represents the culmination of Dürer's technical exploration in relief printing. Produced during a time of intense religious upheaval brought on by the Reformation, works featuring the foundational Christian narrative remained essential for both private devotion and public circulation. This significant example of German Renaissance graphic arts is part of the distinguished collection housed at the National Gallery of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, high-resolution reproductions of this work are often found in the public domain, ensuring its continued study and appreciation globally.