The Virgin Nursing the Christ Child, copy

The Virgin Nursing the Christ Child, copy by Albrecht Dürer, is a profound example of reproductive printmaking rendered in the exacting medium of engraving. Classified as a print, this particular impression replicates a devotional composition originated by Dürer circa 1485. The subject is the Madonna lactans, depicting the Virgin Mary in an intimate act of nursing the Christ Child, an iconography emphasizing the human tenderness inherent in the bond between mother and son, while still acknowledging their sacred roles.

The wide date range (1485-1957) confirms that while the original composition dates to the German Renaissance master’s early career, this specific engraving is a much later copy, demonstrating the enduring artistic and religious influence of Dürer’s designs centuries after their creation. Albrecht Dürer revolutionized the classification of prints through his sophisticated mastery of line, and although a copy, this work faithfully captures the characteristic detail and precise linear quality associated with Dürer's originals. The technique required meticulous control over the burin, resulting in fine, deep lines that convey subtle shifts in light and shadow across the figures and drapery.

The subject matter, centered on the holy figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary, remained essential to religious art during this period, and the reproduction of such sacred images ensured their wide dissemination across Europe. This work resides within the extensive holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a valuable record of historical appropriation and the lasting legacy of Dürer’s graphic genius. Many of the artist's foundational designs, including key works in the prints classification, are now widely available in the public domain, allowing global accessibility for scholars and enthusiasts alike.