The artwork “Madonna and Child” by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent figure of the Northern Renaissance, is a sketch and study dating from this period. It represents Dürer’s interest in the religious and iconic subject matter that was prevalent during his time.
Depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, this sketch is executed with fine lines that reveal a sense of tenderness and intimacy. The figures are positioned in a close embrace, illustrating the maternal bond between mother and child. The focus is on their gestures and the interaction between them; both Mary and Jesus are sketched with delicate features and careful attention to their expressions. Mary is shown gazing down towards Jesus, who appears to be playfully reaching up towards her. Despite its simplicity, the artwork is indicative of Dürer’s technical skill and his ability to capture emotion and narrative within a few strokes. The date “1519” and Dürer’s monogram are visible at the bottom, indicating the time of its creation and the artist’s signature. The artwork is characterized by its loose and dynamic lines, reflecting the preparatory nature of the sketch as Dürer explored composition and form.
