The artwork “Christ Taking Leave of his Mother” is a woodcut created by the German artist Albrecht Dürer in 1507. It is a part of the “Life of the Virgin” series and illustrates a scene from religious narratives in which Jesus Christ bids farewell to his mother, Mary, presumably before departing for his public ministry or his final journey to Jerusalem. This piece reflects the Northern Renaissance art movement and is currently housed at the Albertina in Vienna, Austria.
The woodcut depicts an emotionally charged moment where the central figure, Jesus Christ, stands to the right, solemnly taking leave from his grieving mother who is seated and is being supported by another female figure, likely one of Mary’s companions. To the left, a male figure looks on, he could represent an apostle or disciple of Christ. The group is set against a detailed backdrop featuring a city with elaborate buildings and a leafless tree, indicating the nature of the somber event. The composition is rich with textures and contrasts, highlighting Dürer’s masterful skill in the woodcut medium.
