Artwork
Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel
Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel 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
Overview
Albrecht Dürer created 'Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel' around 1504 as part of a print series. This black-and-white work is characteristic of Dürer's expertise in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling man in a forest, reaching toward a tree, as an angel above him holds out a branch with fruit. The scene is likely a biblical narrative, with the angel's gesture suggesting a moment of revelation or offering.
Technique & Style
Dürer's use of sharp lines and detailed shading creates a sense of realism. The trees, with their rough bark and tangled roots, are rendered with great detail, illustrating Dürer's skill in capturing texture and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The print is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is part of a series that blends Northern European artistic traditions with Italian Renaissance influences, reflecting Dürer's travels and artistic range.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
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Rest on the Flight into Egypt
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St. Christopher with the Birds