Virgin and Child with a Pear

The print, Virgin and Child with a Pear, created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer in 1511, represents a high point in the art of line engraving. This particular piece was executed during the most productive phase of Dürer's printmaking career, alongside other famous religious and allegorical subjects. Utilizing the precise, demanding technique of engraving, Dürer achieved an exceptional level of detail and textural complexity, transforming the copper plate into a vehicle for subtle tonal variations.

The central subject is the intimate depiction of the Madonna and Child, a frequently revisited theme in the artist's oeuvre. The Christ Child is shown holding or reaching for a pear, integrating a rich layer of Christian symbolism into the composition. In Renaissance art, the pear often symbolized Christ's love for humanity or, due to its sweet taste and slightly bulbous shape, was associated with the Incarnation. Dürer’s skillful handling of line and modeling, characteristic of his mature style, imbues the figures with a solemn, sculptural quality, distinguishing this representation of the Madonna and Child motif.

As a leading figure of the German Renaissance, Dürer maximized the reproducibility of prints like this one, allowing his work to circulate widely across Europe. This engraving demonstrates why Dürer is considered one of history's greatest draftsmen; his mastery of line work remains evident even in small-scale prints. Classified specifically as a print, the work is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and historical significance of the original plates, versions of this important piece are often available for study and distribution through public domain initiatives today.