St. Fridolin by Albrecht Durer

St. Fridolin - Albrecht Durer -

Artwork Information

TitleSt. Fridolin
ArtistAlbrecht Durer
Art MovementNorthern Renaissance

About St. Fridolin

The artwork titled “St. Fridolin” was created by Albrecht Dürer, an artist renowned for his contributions to the Northern Renaissance movement. Celebrated for its religious paintings among other genres, this particular piece continues that tradition with a depiction of St. Fridolin, a saint recognized in Christianity. Originating within the period of the Northern Renaissance, the piece carries the era’s focus on detail and religious context.

The artwork appears to be a detailed pen-and-ink drawing, showcasing Dürer’s precision in line work. It features four figures, with the central one likely representing St. Fridolin, identified by his bishop’s mitre and ecclesiastical robes. The figure to the far right is a skeleton, which could be a representation of death or a reminder of mortality, a common theme in Christian art to remind viewers of the transience of life and the importance of spiritual preparation.

The other two figures could be saints or clerical figures given their clothing and demeanor, although their identities are not specified. They flank St. Fridolin, fusing both the holy and the macabre in one scene, possibly to convey a narrative related to the saint’s legend or to underscore religious teachings on life, death, and salvation.

Particularly striking is the masterful use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques to provide depth, texture, and shading to the garments and figures. The sense of volume in the drapery is clearly conveyed despite the monochromatic medium. Dürer’s ability to capture the essence of the subjects with mere lines is a testament to his skill and his reputation as one of the masters of the Northern Renaissance. The date inscribed “1518” indicates the year of its creation, situating the artwork in a historical context of the artist’s mature period.

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