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Email to FriendAlbrecht Altdorfer, Woodcut, St. Christopher Seated on the Bank, c. 1515  |
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| Artist: | Altdorfer, Albrecht (1480 - 1538) |
|---|---|
| Title: | St. Christopher Seated on the Bank, c. 1515 |
| Reference: | B. 54 |
| Medium: | Original Woodcut |
| Image Size: | 4 3/4 in x 3 3/4 in (12.1 cm x 9.5 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 4 3/4 in x 3 3/4 in (12.1 cm x 9.5 cm) |
| Framed Size: | 22 1/2 in x 21 5/16 in (57.2 cm x 54.1 cm) |
| Signed: | Monogrammed in the center on trunk of the tree 'AA.' |
| Condition: | This work is in excellent condition, a fine dark black impression |
| Gallery Price: Item# 3022 | Sorry, this item is sold. Please visit the rest of our Altdorfer fine art collection |
| Historical Description: | |
|---|---|
| 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: PROVENANCE: From the private collections of C.W. von Blucher (1755-1826) About the Framing: | |
| Style: | German painter and printmaker |
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Biography of Albrecht Altdorfer
Albrecht Altdorfer (1480 - 1538)
Albrecht Altdorfer (1480 – 1538) was a painter and printmaker born in Regensburg, Germany. He is best known for his religious scenes which often depict biblical and historical subjects set against dramatic and imaginative landscape backgrounds.
As a member of the Danube school of artists out of Bavaria and Austria, Altdorfer was amongst the first artists to paint pure landscapes without human subjects, He specialized in sunset and twilight lighting and often utilized torch light and star light to add a dramatic component to his expressive religious works.
In 1510 Altdorfer traveled through the Alps, visiting France, Austria, Switzerland and possibly Italy. He then returned to to Regensburg where he spent his life creating art and serving his city. Altdorfer was very involved in the city of Regensburg. In 1519, he became a member of the City Council for External Affairs, and by 1529, he had become a member of the City Council for Internal Affairs. He also served as the architect of Regensburg for several years, overseeing the construction of the cities slaughterhouse and wine cellars. He continued to paint until his death in 1538,upon which he was buried in the church of the Augustine Cloister. Today, many of his works can be seen at the Alte Pinakothek Museum of Munich as well as the National Gallery of London.
