Why it matters
The Madonna adores the Child sleeping on a cushion, beside a book and a pear, symbol of original sin. It was one of Dürer's first commissions from Frederick the Wise, for his castle chapel in Wittenberg.
Did you know?
- It dates from 1496–1497, with the wings perhaps added in 1503–1504.
- The wings show Saint Sebastian and Saint Anthony, protectors against disease.
- Painted on canvas, the wings could not be closed.
Based on the Wikipedia article Dresden Altarpiece (CC BY-SA 4.0).
