St Christopher Carrying the Christ Child on his Shoulders

Albrecht Altdorfer (circa 1480 - 1538)

British Museum

1512

Albrecht Altdorfer, a German printmaker and painter depicts one of his favourite themes in this piece. Unusually, this sheet depicts the Saint from the rear steering his way across the river as he bears the burden of the Christ Child. This drawing is notable for its fluency and elegance especially in the white highlights that delineate the Saint's staff and billowing folds of his drapery. Altdorfer was a leading figure of the Danube school of artists and is best known for his pioneering achievements in landscape.

• Medium: pen & Indian ink on dark brown prepared paper, heightened with white
• Dimensions: 27.2 x 15.5cm
• ArtFunded in: 1925
• Presented by Granville Tyser through The Art Fund

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