The Holy Family with Three Hares

"The Holy Family with Three Hares," executed by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer between 1492 and 1503, stands as a significant early example of his profound skill in graphic arts. This piece is a meticulously crafted woodcut print, a medium Dürer elevated from simple illustration to fine art. Crucially, this impression represents the highly desirable first state of the nine known states, demonstrating the crispness and detail of the block before subsequent wear or revisions diminished the image quality.

The composition centers on the traditional depiction of the Holy Family, portraying the intimate relationship between the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and Saint Joseph in a seemingly tranquil, verdant setting. The scene is further enriched by the presence of attending angels, who hover discreetly, serving as divine witnesses to the domestic sanctity. Dürer’s masterful technique in this woodcut showcases complex shading and textural variety, pushing the technical boundaries of early Northern Renaissance prints.

The artwork gains its distinctive title from the three hares positioned conspicuously in the foreground. This inclusion is often the subject of scholarly interpretation, frequently symbolizing the Trinity, fertility, or even the instability of life. The visual synthesis of theological narrative and naturalistic detail is a hallmark of Dürer's approach. This exceptional work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The enduring popularity and historical importance of Dürer's prints ensure that high-resolution images of such Renaissance masterpieces are often made available to the public domain for research and educational purposes.