Saint Christopher

Albrecht Altdorfer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a figure carrying a child across a river. The scene shows a muscular figure holding onto a tree branch for support as they wade through the water. The child, perched on the shoulders of the larger figure, reaches skyward with one hand. The background includes rolling hills and a village dominated by a prominent church spire. The rays of the sun or a glowing light source illuminate the figures. The detailed crosshatching and linework give texture to the figures and surrounding scenery.