Pioneering the format which many German Little Masters utilized, Altdorfer (Regensburg, 1480- Regensburg, 1538) created this small-scale work which is comparable to Dürer's 'Small Passion' series. Altdorfer expresses his appreciation for humanity and nature alike, for he places the human subjects at the bottom center of the composition with the majority of the scene illustrating a picturesque outdoor environment. Saint Christopher, accompanied by the Christ child, leans against a tree trunk, his wooden staff in hand. He appears at ease yet somewhat exhausted, causing the viewer to question whether he or she is witnessing the moment before or after St. Christopher crosses the river. Utilizing varied tones and linear elements, this work evokes a sense of depth and volume in the small space it occupies, exemplifying Altdorfer's artistic mastery.

Created c. 1515, this work is printed on a fine laid paper. A wonderful dark black impression, this work is in very good condition with an unidentified collector's stamp accompanying the piece. The work is monogrammed in the center on the tree trunk 'AA.'

Documented and Illustrated in:
1. Bartsch. The Illustrated Bartsch Vol. 14. Edited by Robert A. Koch. New York: Abaris Books, 1981. Illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 54 (another example illustrated) on page 160.
2. Geisberg, Max, The German Single-Leaf Woodcut: 1500-1550, Vol I, 1974, listed as G.34 on pg 25.
3. Voss, Herman von. Albrecht Altdorfer und Wolf Huber. Illustrated on pg. 10.

PROVENANCE: From the private collections of C.W. von Blucher (1755-1826)

About the Framing:
Museum-grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.