The “Study of the Body of Christ” is an artwork by Albrecht Dürer, a significant figure in the Northern Renaissance art movement. The piece is characteristic of Dürer’s work within the sketch and study genre, where his draftsmanship shines through meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy.
This specific artwork captures the upper body of a male figure that represents Christ in a state of suffering or resignation, exposing his musculature and body contours through skilled line work. The depiction is devoid of color, focusing solely on form and light to convey depth and emotion. Christ’s head is thrown back, his eyes are closed, and his mouth is slightly open, suggesting a moment of intense anguish or perhaps his final breath. The sketched figure isn’t fully complete – parts of the arms and lower torso are left unfinished or missing, highlighting the study nature of the artwork. The date “1515” along with Dürer’s monogram is inscribed below the figure, attributing the work to the artist and providing a historical timestamp.
