The Virgin and Child with the Infant Christ and Saint Anne

The Virgin and Child with the Infant Christ and Saint Anne, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1500, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance engraving. This print dates precisely to the turn of the sixteenth century, marking a pivotal period of intense artistic experimentation for Dürer, whose prolific output profoundly influenced the trajectory of graphic arts across Europe.

The composition centers on a three-generational grouping, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child while her mother, Saint Anne, looks on. Dürer utilizes the precise, demanding technique of engraving, showcasing his exceptional control over line weight and texture to render the voluminous drapery and expressive faces. This popular religious subject, often referred to as a depiction of the Madonna and Child with Saint Anne, emphasizes familial piety and the sacred lineage of Christ, themes highly valued in early modern European devotion. The intimate grouping of the figures, framed within a carefully constructed interior space, highlights the tenderness and quiet reverence central to the scene.

This significant print demonstrates Dürer’s mastery early in the century, successfully blending Italianate compositional solidity with meticulous Northern detail. As one of the foundational works of German graphic art, it established a high standard for subsequent printmakers. Preserved within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the work remains a vital reference point for scholars studying the development of the Renaissance across Europe. Given its age and iconic status, high-quality impressions of this image are frequently found available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its enduring influence across the art historical record.