“Madonna and Child with the little St. John” is a sketch and study by the artist Albrecht Dürer, who was a prominent figure in the Northern Renaissance art movement. This artwork is part of the series “Life of the Virgin,” which explores themes and stories surrounding the Virgin Mary and the early life of Jesus Christ.
The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus while a little St. John stands nearby, looking up at them. The sketch is loose and appears to be done with haste, suggesting that it was possibly a preliminary study for a more detailed work. The lines are quick and light, and the figures are not fully detailed, conveying the dynamic process of the artist at work. Mary is seated with a gentle tilt to her head, cradling Jesus close to her body, demonstrating a classic devotional scene with an intimate, maternal bond. To the right side of the sketch, you can see an architectural study, possibly indicating Dürer’s interest in integrating the figures into a constructed space, which was not uncommon for compositions of that era. Dürer’s monogram “AD” is also visible, a testament to his authorship of the piece. This work is a fine example of Dürer’s skill in capturing both human figures and architectural elements with simplicity and a dynamic touch.
