“St. John Lamenting” is an artwork by Albrecht Dürer, dated to 1523. As a representative work of the Northern Renaissance, this religious painting is characterized by its attention to detail and emotional expression, which were hallmarks of the period. It belongs to a private collection and illustrates the genre’s typical focus on biblical themes.
The artwork depicts St. John with a look of somber contemplation. The figure is shown standing, draped in loose, flowing garments that gather in intricate folds, demonstrating Dürer’s mastery of texture and form. St. John’s upward gaze and pensive expression imply a moment of sorrow or deep reflection, which is consistent with scenes of lamentation commonly found in religious narratives. The drawing showcases expert use of line and shadow to convey the form and emotion of the figure, with a level of realism that is empathetic and evocative. Dürer’s signature and the year of the piece’s completion are prominently inscribed at the bottom, further authenticating the work as a product of his skilled hand.
