The “Study of the Christ Child” by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1495, is a drawing that reflects the Northern Renaissance art movement. Created with pen and ink, it falls under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork is part of the collection at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The drawing depicts a young child in a seated position, with his body slightly turned to the side. The detail and realism in the figure’s chubby form are remarkable, showcasing the artist’s skill in rendering anatomical features and soft textures. The child’s gaze is directed upward and his hands are engaged, with one near his mouth in a common infant pose. The care taken in the depiction of the hair, the folds of the skin, and the expression, are indicative of Dürer’s keen observation skills and his mastery of drawing. The artwork serves not just as a religious representation, but also as a study of human anatomy and child proportions during the early years of an artist who would become renowned for his precise and detailed approach to form.
