Artwork

Altar mit der Schönen Maria von Regensburg

Altar mit der Schönen Maria von Regensburg, by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1520
Altar mit der Schönen Maria von Regensburg, by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1520

Altar mit der Schönen Maria von Regensburg is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Altar mit der Schönen Maria von Regensburg is a 1520 print by Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent German Renaissance artist associated with the Danube School. This work showcases Altdorfer's pioneering integration of landscape elements into religious compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the 'Beautiful Mary of Regensburg' at the center, standing on a pedestal with a child, surrounded by angels and saints in ornate niches. Despite the blurred facial detail, the scene conveys grandeur and symbolic depth, characteristic of religious art intended for church settings.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white, the drawing features intricate, architectural framing with swirls, arches, and carvings, evoking a stage-like setting. This style, common in Renaissance church art, emphasizes balance, symbolism, and the grandeur of religious themes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1520 by Albrecht Altdorfer, the work reflects his Danube School affiliation and connection to the detailed engraving traditions of the Nuremberg Little Masters, though specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Within the broader Renaissance movement, this piece exemplifies the era's shift towards incorporating vivid landscapes and detailed architectural elements into religious art, a hallmark of Altdorfer's innovative approach.

Legacy

As one of Altdorfer's notable works, it contributes to the Danube School's influence on subsequent European artistic developments, particularly in the integration of landscape into religious and historical themes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist

Albrecht Altdorfer

Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.