Study of the Christ Child 1495

Albrecht Durer’s “Study of the Christ Child,” rendered in pen and ink, presents a compelling study in form and texture. The composition centers on the infant, whose rounded limbs and soft contours are meticulously captured through a dense network of fine lines. This creates a striking contrast between the smoothness of the skin and the intricacy of the hatching. Durer’s formal approach is evident in the way he uses line to define volume and suggest the play of light and shadow. The gaze is drawn to the infant’s face, where the delicate rendering conveys a sense of both innocence and profound potential. The subtle gradations and tonal variations imbue the figure with a lifelike presence. Ultimately, the drawing invites reflection on the intersection of human form and divine essence. The technical virtuosity serves not merely as an end in itself but as a means of exploring deeper existential themes through the formal language of art.