Virgin and Child with the Pear

Virgin and Child with the Pear by Albrecht Dürer, executed in 1511, is a celebrated example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Produced as a copperplate engraving, the work showcases the artist’s refined technical mastery while adhering to the common religious iconography of the Madonna and Child subject.

Dürer presents the figures in a tightly controlled, classical arrangement. The central compositional element is the fruit held by the Christ Child: the pear. In traditional Christian symbolism, the pear often serves as a metaphor for Christ's sacrifice, representing the sweetness of salvation or divine love. This subtle inclusion integrates theological depth into the intimate portrayal of motherhood.

The technical precision of the engraving lines demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled skill in manipulating tonal contrast and texture on a metal plate. By meticulously executing cross-hatching and varying the depth of his incisions, Dürer achieved a richness of shadow and light previously unseen in the medium. This ability to capture complex naturalism in black and white was key to his international fame, allowing these prints to disseminate his religious imagery across Europe.

This exceptional impression of Virgin and Child with the Pear is part of the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of the most influential German Renaissance figures, Dürer’s graphic works remain essential references for the history of art. Due to the age and enduring importance of these master prints, many versions are now considered part of the public domain, ensuring widespread study and appreciation of Dürer’s contribution to the art of engraving.