Den hellige familie, seks personer 1510 - 1513

Albrecht Dürer created this etching, 'The Holy Family with Six Figures,' using an engraving technique. The composition immediately draws the eye to the central figures of Mary and the infant Jesus, framed by a semi-circular arrangement of family members. Dürer masterfully employs line to define form and texture. Notice how the density and direction of the etched lines create areas of shadow and light, giving depth to the figures and their drapery. The texture is incredibly complex: each line adds to the overall effect of realism. The arrangement of the figures, together with the shallow depth of field, creates a sense of intimacy. This print exemplifies how Dürer, through his technical skill and compositional choices, engages with and reinterprets traditional religious iconography using the language of Renaissance humanism. The work embodies a profound artistic, philosophical, and cultural dialogue, inviting continuous contemplation and diverse interpretations.