Saint Christopher Carrying the Christ Child 1500 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer’s “Saint Christopher Carrying the Christ Child” is a small-scale, highly detailed engraving. Completed sometime between 1500 and 1538, the artwork portrays the legend of Saint Christopher, a giant who carries the Christ Child across a river, with a city and sun rising in the distance. The scene is depicted in a dramatic, almost theatrical manner, with strong contrasts between light and dark. Altdorfer’s distinct style is evident in his use of precise lines and intricate detail, which makes the print a fine example of Northern Renaissance art.