“Christ Appears to His Mother” is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1511 as part of “The Small Passion” series. This Northern Renaissance religious artwork is housed in the British Museum in London, UK.
The woodcut depicts a poignant moment between Christ and His mother. Christ stands to the right, with an emanating aura of light representing His divinity. He appears in post-resurrection form, bearing the marks of His crucifixion, as evidenced by the stigmata in His hands, feet, and side, along with the banner of victory that signifies His triumph over death. The Virgin Mary is shown to the left, seated and turned toward her son in a reverential pose, hands clasped in prayer or astonishment at His appearance. The detail of the work highlights the emotional intensity of the reunion, with Dürer’s skillful use of line work creating rich textures and contrasts, which is characteristic of his mastery during the Northern Renaissance. The background consists of curtains and a darkened room, placing the emphasis on the miraculous appearance and the spiritual connection between the figures.
