The Holy Family (1512–13, Met-Objekt 220)
Original title: The Holy Family
kurzbeschreibung
Albrecht Dürer made this drypoint in 1512–13. It presents the Holy Family in a gathering that recalls the Adoration of the Shepherds. Mary holds the Christ Child on her lap; around her stand an old man and a bearded man wearing an apron.
Description
The layout feels balanced: Mary and the Child form the still centre. To her right stands a bearded man with an apron, while an old man sits to the side. Other figures frame the event. Light spreads evenly, with no harsh shadows. The lines are thin and precise, giving the monochrome print its character.
Context
This print dates from a period when Dürer was exploring drypoint. The Holy Family was a common subject in Christian art of the time and served private devotion. Italian influences appear in the balanced arrangement and the calm sequence of figures.
Impact
The contemplative mood invites close looking. Even light and delicate lines create an intimate atmosphere that emphasises the closeness of the figures.
Technique
In drypoint, the needle scratches directly into the plate, creating soft lines with a slight burr that gives the print depth. This technique allows the artist to build tone, light, and shade through fine hatching and cross-hatching, resulting in a detailed and precise line quality.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)