Virgin and Child with a Pear, copy

The artwork Virgin and Child with a Pear, copy by Albrecht Dürer is an engraving representing one of the core subjects of early Renaissance devotional art. The original design is attributed to Dürer's early career, around 1485, a period when the artist began to refine the intricate line work that would revolutionize the field of printmaking. This specific impression, however, was likely created substantially later, indicated by the production date range extending into the mid-twentieth century. This status as a copy allows for the widespread study and distribution of prints based on the Northern master’s original conception.

The composition focuses intimately on the interaction between the youthful Christ and the Madonna, highlighting a tender maternal moment. A key symbolic element is the pear, held by the Christ Child. In Christian iconography, the pear is often associated with Christ’s love for mankind and his eventual sacrifice, subtly infusing the domestic scene with profound theological meaning. The skilled use of engraving allows for deep contrast and detailed modeling of the figures' drapery and facial expressions.

Dürer’s prolific output of religious subjects helped popularize these intimate Marian images across Northern Europe, making high-quality prints highly sought after by collectors and the general public. This example of devotional art resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, contributing to their extensive holdings of Renaissance prints and copies. As a work whose design is now largely in the public domain, the image of the Virgin and Child with a Pear remains highly accessible, providing valuable insight into the enduring market for reproductions of influential masterworks.