Virgin and Child Seated by a Tree

Virgin and Child Seated by a Tree is a renowned engraving created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer in 1513. This intimate work exemplifies the technical precision and spiritual depth characteristic of his prints during his most prolific period. As a printmaker, Dürer utilized the demanding technique of line engraving, meticulously cutting into the copper plate to achieve a remarkable array of tones and textures, making him one of the most influential graphic artists in European history.

The composition focuses on the sacred subject of the Madonna and Child, a recurring theme in Dürer’s oeuvre. Mary is depicted seated beneath a sprawling tree that dominates the background and frames the figures. The infant Christ stands on her lap, reaching towards her in a tender gesture. Dürer’s sophisticated use of fine line work and cross-hatching lends the scene a striking sense of light and dimension, while the detailed rendering of the drapery and the foliage confirms the artist's unparalleled skill in the medium.

Created around the time of Dürer’s famous "Master Prints," this piece reflects the artistic maturity he achieved in the early 16th century. The quality of the surviving impressions speaks to the exceptionally high standard of printmaking in Renaissance Germany. Today, this historically important work resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The widespread availability of impressions means that digital files and study prints derived from this and similar works by Dürer are frequently categorized as public domain assets, ensuring the continued study and appreciation of this Renaissance masterwork.