Virgin and Child with the Pear 1511

Albrecht Dürer's 1511 engraving, "Virgin and Child with the Pear," showcases the artist's mastery of detail and realism. The composition portrays the Virgin Mary, cloaked in flowing drapery, cradling the Christ Child who holds a pear, symbolizing Christ's future sacrifice. The meticulously rendered landscape, featuring a fortified city in the distance and a gnarled tree, adds depth and context, creating a sense of serenity and devotion. This engraving, a fine example of Northern Renaissance art, is considered one of Dürer's most celebrated works.