The Holy Family with three Hares (B. 102; M., Holl. 212; S.M.S. 108)

The Holy Family with three Hares is arguably the most charming of the artist's woodcuts and one of the few idyllic images Dürer created in the medium. Mary, with the Christ Child standing on her knees, is seated in a walled garden, the hortus conclusus, a symbol of her virginity. She is surrounded by flowers and herbs growing around the grassy bench. In the foreground three rabbits play, in the background lies an open valley. Joseph has removed his hat and stands at a respectful distance, gazing in wonder at the child. Jesus however has no eyes for the natural beauty and abundance around him; instead he is leafing through a book, as if reading his own destiny.