Heilige Christoffel c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer created this engraving, "Heilige Christoffel," likely in the early 16th century. Its composition is dominated by the figure of Saint Christopher, whose robust form and stooped posture command our attention. The dense hatching and cross-hatching give texture to the saint's garments and the turbulent waters he traverses. The formal structure here speaks to a deeper engagement with the period's intellectual currents. The radiating lines emanating from the sun act as a visual signifier, drawing our eyes to the Christ Child. Notice how Altdorfer challenges conventional perspective. He creates a flattened picture plane where the background merges with the foreground. This interplay of light and shadow destabilizes our perception, inviting us to question fixed perspectives. The artwork transcends mere religious iconography, becoming a space where the boundaries of representation are tested. The image invites continuous re-evaluation.