Virgin and Child with a Pear, copy 1485 - 1953

This print, "Virgin and Child with a Pear," attributed to Albrecht Durer, was made with engraving in the early 16th century. It presents a familiar religious subject, but through careful detail, it speaks volumes about the cultural and institutional landscape of its time. Produced in Germany during the Reformation, the print reveals the intricate relationship between art, religion, and commerce. Durer was among the first to understand the power of printmaking as a means of distributing images widely. The print is filled with religious and cultural references, such as the walls in the background that are similar to Durer's hometown of Nuremberg. It speaks to the growing merchant class, and the expanding reach of artistic ideas. To fully appreciate Durer’s work, one must consider the influence of the church, and the rise of humanism. Art historians consult letters, diaries, and other period documents to enrich our understanding of works like this. By examining its historical context, we recognize the significance of art as both a reflection of and a participant in cultural change.