Virgin and Child with the Monkey (reverse copy)

The Virgin and Child with the Monkey (reverse copy) is a pivotal print created by Albrecht Dürer sometime between 1485 and 1528. This exquisite example of Northern Renaissance graphic art is executed in the demanding technique of engraving, where the artist meticulously incised lines into a copper plate to capture fine detail and texture. Though often considered a reverse copy of Dürer's celebrated original design, this work maintains the delicate balance and profound technical skill characteristic of the German master’s graphic output.

The composition centers on the traditional religious motif of the Madonna and Child, depicted in a quiet, pastoral setting beneath a tree. While the Christ Child plays innocently with a bird, the compositional foreground is anchored by the presence of a chained monkey. In the context of Renaissance prints, the caged monkey often served as a symbolic representation of humanity trapped by sin or worldly desires, providing a stark theological contrast to the spiritual purity embodied by the Virgin Mary and the innocent play with the birds. Dürer’s detailed treatment of the foliage and animals elevates the piece beyond a simple devotional image, demonstrating his mastery of natural observation and symbolic iconography.

As a highly sought-after print, this work illustrates the crucial role of engraving in the 15th and 16th centuries for circulating artistic and theological ideas across Europe. The precision required for such fine line work cemented Dürer’s reputation as the era’s foremost graphic artist. This important rendering is held within the esteemed prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Because of its age and cultural renown, high-quality images of this classic Renaissance masterwork are frequently made available through public domain sources globally.