Artwork

Joachim's Offering Rejected by the High Priest

Joachim's Offering Rejected by the High Priest, by Albrecht Dürer, 1504
Joachim's Offering Rejected by the High Priest, by Albrecht Dürer, 1504

Joachim's Offering Rejected by the High Priest is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The story is based on an apocryphal text, which adds to its interest, as it's not part of the main biblical story, but still influenced art like this.

The painting shows Joachim's offering being rejected by the High Priest.
It's an important moment in the story of Mary's parents.
The story is based on an apocryphal text, which adds to its interest, as it's not part of the main biblical story, but still influenced art like this.
The artist used this story to explore themes of faith and family.
Check out the work of artist: Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528)

Overview

Joachim's Offering Rejected by the High Priest is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, part of a narrative series depicting events preceding the Virgin Mary's birth. The scene illustrates a pivotal moment from apocryphal texts, highlighting Dürer's engagement with lesser-known religious stories.

Subject & Meaning

The woodcut portrays the rejection of Joachim's temple offering due to his childlessness, a narrative derived from apocryphal accounts of Mary's parents. This episode explores themes of faith, fertility, and divine intervention in family life.

Technique & Style

As a woodcut, the work showcases Dürer's mastery of the medium, characterized by intricate details and expressive lines, typical of his Renaissance printmaking style.

History & Provenance

Part of a set (1959.99.2-4), this woodcut is dated to Dürer's active period, with the collection now residing in a museum (exact location not specified in provided sources).

Context

Created in the early 16th century, the work reflects the Renaissance interest in both biblical and apocryphal narratives, demonstrating how such stories influenced artistic themes of the time.

Legacy

While not part of the canonical Bible, the apocryphal story's depiction by Dürer contributed to its visibility in Western art, illustrating the impact of religious narratives on artistic tradition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

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