The engraving titled “St. Eustace” was created by the renowned artist Albrecht Dürer around 1501. Dürer, a key figure in the Northern Renaissance, is noted for his exquisite engravings that fuse detailed line work with religious and allegorical themes. This artwork was made using the medium of engraving and falls into the category of religious painting. It is known to be housed in a private collection.
The image depicts a scene with various figures and elements that convey a narrative. The central feature is a male figure, presumably St. Eustace, dressed in period clothing reminding of a huntsman, complete with a hat adorned with a feather. He is shown in a moment of conversion or theophany, interacting with a stag, which bears a crucifix between its antlers—an iconic symbol associated with the legend of St. Eustace. The human figure appears to be astounded or in conversation with the stag.
Surrounding the central characters are additional elements that contribute to the storytelling. The man’s horse stands beside him, with details indicating its well-groomed nature and saddle. Various dogs are also present in the foreground, possibly representative of the huntsman’s hounds. Below the animals and humans, the ground is depicted with grasses, rocks, and small vegetative details, lending a sense of realism to the scene.
In the background, a densely detailed landscape unfolds, including a castle atop a hill, further trees, and an indication of a distant town or settlement. The landscape serves to heighten the sense of environment and context within the narrative.
Dürer’s signature monogram, a capital “A” above a capital “D,” is visible in the lower part of the composition, indicating his authorship of this meticulous work. The overall composition is rich in textures and visual elements, characteristic of Dürer’s style and the Northern Renaissance’s attention to detail and symbolism.
