Virgin and Child with the Pear

Virgin and Child with the Pear by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1511, stands as a masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance tradition and a prime example of the artist's graphic genius. Executed as a copperplate engraving, this print demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled command over line and texture, transforming simple hatching into nuanced forms and volumetric drapery. Produced in Nuremberg, the work belongs to the period following his second Venetian journey, when Dürer firmly established himself as the premier German printmaker.

The central subject is the familiar Christian iconography of the Madonna and Child. The Virgin Mary gazes down tenderly at the Christ Child, who holds a crucial symbolic element: the pear. In Renaissance art, fruits often carry theological meaning; the pear frequently represents Christ’s love for humanity or, occasionally, the sweetness of salvation. Dürer focuses intently on the intimate connection between mother and son, rendering their faces with a naturalism and dignity characteristic of his refined style. The technical quality of the engraving allows for incredible detail in the handling of hair and fabric folds, showcasing the precision achievable in the print medium.

As one of Dürer’s celebrated prints from the early sixteenth century, this highly finished piece achieved immediate widespread popularity across Europe, distributed readily because of its nature as an engraving. This classification ensured that multiple impressions were available, contributing significantly to Dürer's renown beyond Germany. Today, this iconic artwork resides within the comprehensive collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, high-resolution images and prints of the piece are widely accessible, often entering the public domain for study and appreciation.