The Holy Family with Five Angels

The Holy Family with Five Angels is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1503 and 1504. Dürer, a towering figure of the Northern Renaissance, revolutionized printmaking, elevating the medium of the woodcut to the status of high art. During this period, Dürer honed his technique, utilizing subtle variations in line weight and density to achieve textural effects and modulation of light previously thought impossible in the medium, effectively blurring the lines between graphic arts and painting.

The composition portrays an intimate scene of the Holy Family. The central focus rests upon the Virgin Mary, who is shown tenderly engaging with the infant Christ, establishing a profound connection between mother and son. Saint Joseph often appears contemplative, slightly withdrawn from the central action but providing a stabilizing and protective presence within the domestic setting. The distinctive feature referenced in the title is the inclusion of five attendant Angels, gracefully integrated into the composition, either interacting playfully or providing silent adoration. Dürer’s skill in rendering complex drapery and expression, even within the limitations of the woodcut medium, highlights his complete mastery of design.

This impressive piece demonstrates Dürer’s profound and lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists across Europe. As one of the most celebrated German masters, Dürer’s prints were widely circulated, significantly contributing to his international fame. A fine impression of this classic early sixteenth-century woodcut resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and cultural importance, the work is frequently classified within the public domain, ensuring that high-quality impressions and scholarly resources concerning Dürer’s prints remain readily accessible globally.