St. Christopher with head turned back

Details

Bartsch 51; Meder 53 a (from d); Schoch/Mende/Scherbaum 93 a (from d). Provenance:
Karl Eduard von Liphart (1808-1891), Dorpat, Bonn and Florence, on the reverse with the stamp (Lugt 1687);
Ernst F. Oppermann (2nd half 19th century), Berlin, on the reverse with the stamp (Lugt 887);
Stein’s Buchhandlung, Nuremberg, on the reverse with the stamp (Lugt 5546).

Descrizione

Quite excellent, warm-toned early impression from the intentionally not cleanly wiped plate, legs and coat toned on the right, before the scratches by the white sleeve. Trimmed to the platemark. Dürer dedicated several depictions to the saint, who had enjoyed great popularity since the 13th century. He was the patron saint of boatmen, carters and travellers and protected all those who died a sudden death without having received the sacraments beforehand. Fitted all round in a paper mask up to 4 mm wide, otherwise in very good condition.