Paumgartner Altar: Birth of Christ

Welcome, everyone, to the Alte Pinakothek! Today, we're standing before a captivating masterpiece, "Paumgartner Altar: Birth of Christ," a 1500 painting by the renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer. nn This artwork, measuring 1.26 meters wide and 1.55 meters high, draws our eyes to the heart of the Christian narrative: the birth of Jesus. Dürer masterfully portrays the scene within a humble, somewhat dilapidated Romanesque structure, a detail that emphasizes the sacredness of the event against the backdrop of everyday life. nn Notice the central figures: Mary, draped in a flowing blue robe, stands gracefully, her gaze lowered towards the newborn Christ Child lying before her. Joseph, depicted as an elderly man in a vibrant red robe, kneels in reverence, his hands raised in adoration. Dürer's use of color is deliberate and symbolic. The blue of Mary's robe represents purity and divinity, while Joseph's red signifies his role as Christ's earthly protector. nn Look closely, and you'll discover a group of angels surrounding the Holy Family, their expressions a mixture of awe and joy. Dürer's attention to detail extends to the inclusion of seven child angels, each bearing the coat of arms of the Paumgartner family, who commissioned this altarpiece. This element connects the divine event to the earthly realm and reminds us of the patrons' devotion. nn "Paumgartner Altar: Birth of Christ" is not just a religious image; it's a testament to Dürer's artistic genius and the cultural climate of the time. The artist's mastery of perspective and his ability to evoke emotion through subtle details continue to captivate viewers centuries later.