Artwork

The Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon on an Altar

The Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon on an Altar, by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1520
The Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon on an Altar, by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1520

The Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon on an Altar 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

The Beautiful Virgin of Ratisbon on an Altar is a 1520 print by Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent figure of the Danube School. This work exemplifies the artist's characteristic blend of detailed figural composition and naturalistic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child within an arched, wood-carved altar setting. Attendant angels play musical instruments and hold decorations, underscoring the religious theme through serene facial expressions and symbolic details.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white, the print features sharp lines, minimal shading, and a distinctive, somewhat archaic aesthetic. Notable is the empty frame at the altar's front, suggesting a window or additional depth layer.

History & Provenance

Created in 1520 by Albrecht Altdorfer in Regensburg, the work reflects his dual interests in intricate figural scenes and pioneering landscape elements, characteristic of the Danube School's contribution to Renaissance art.

Context

This print aligns with the broader Renaissance movement, particularly in its religious themes and detailed craftsmanship, inviting comparison with other works from this period.

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.