The Nativity

The Nativity by Albrecht Dürer, produced between 1485 and 1528, is a fundamental example of the German Renaissance master’s prolific genius in graphic arts. This iconic religious composition is rendered through the demanding technique of the woodcut, a medium Dürer expertly transformed from primarily an illustrative tool into a sophisticated vehicle for complex artistic expression.

This print vividly depicts the central Christian narrative of the birth of Christ. The composition focuses intimately on the Virgin Mary as she tends to the infant Jesus, the scene often framed within a humble or rustic structure characteristic of Northern European treatments of the Nativity subject during this era. Dürer’s mastery is evident in the precise linework, which, even in the constraints of a relief print, achieves remarkable detail and tonal depth, giving life to the figures and the setting.

The comprehensive timeline from 1485 to 1528 reflects Dürer’s long and productive engagement with printmaking, defining standards for generations of artists who followed. This celebrated work is classified as a highly influential early modern German print and is housed within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and cultural importance, this famous depiction of the Nativity is widely referenced in the history of art. Works of this age, especially high-quality impressions from renowned collections, are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring scholarly access to this pivotal aspect of Dürer’s output.