The artwork titled “St. Christopher Facing To The Left” is an engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1521. This piece belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is categorized as a religious painting. It is not currently on display as it resides in a private collection. Dürer was a prominent figure in Northern Renaissance art, known for his detailed and skillful engravings.
The artwork itself depicts St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child on his shoulders. St. Christopher is shown as a large, muscular figure with a thoughtful expression, gazing upward towards the Child. The Child appears serene and blesses the occasion, holding a spherical orb, a symbol of sovereignty, which in this context alludes to his divine nature. Both figures are surrounded by a detailed landscape, indicative of Dürer’s mastery in creating textures and depth. In the background, one can observe what appears to be the hermitage of St. Christopher with a lamp lit, which often features in traditional depictions of this saint’s story. The engraving is rich in detail, from the water at their feet to the plants, and the folds of the garments worn by the figures, showcasing Dürer’s talent for capturing a variety of textures. On the bottom right corner, you can see Dürer’s initials, “AD,” signifying his authorship of the piece.