The Holy Trinity (1511) by Albrecht Durer

The Holy Trinity - Albrecht Durer - 1511

Artwork Information

TitleThe Holy Trinity
ArtistAlbrecht Durer
Date1511
Mediumwoodcut
Art MovementNorthern Renaissance
Current LocationBritish Museum, London, UK

About The Holy Trinity

The artwork entitled “The Holy Trinity” is a renowned woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, created in the year 1511. This piece is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. Currently, the artwork is housed in the British Museum, located in London, UK. The medium through which Dürer conveyed his masterful craftsmanship was that of woodcut, a technique that allows for detailed prints from carved wood surfaces.

“The Holy Trinity” by Dürer depicts a richly detailed representation of the Christian Godhead. In the center, God the Father is portrayed as an elderly, bearded figure, enrobed in ornate garments. He is shown supporting the crucified Christ (God the Son) before Him, whose body displays the stigmata, the wounds received during the crucifixion. Above these central figures, the Holy Spirit is illustrated as a dove descending from the heavens, completing the depiction of the Trinity.

The scene is further populated by a host of celestial beings, including angels who reverently surround the Father and the Son, some of whom hold the instruments of the Passion—the objects associated with Jesus’ crucifixion. The backdrop features clouds and rays of divine light, underscoring the heavenly domain and imbuing the scene with a transcendent quality. Dürer’s intricate lines and careful attention to detail create a dramatic composition that invites contemplation of the mysteries of Christian faith. The overall effect is one that combines a deep sense of spirituality with the meticulous artistry characteristic of the Renaissance period and Dürer’s oeuvre.

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