Artwork
Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 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's 'Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple' is a print created in 1504, exemplifying the artist's skill in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical scene of Jesus' presentation at the Temple, a significant moment in Christian iconography. The central figure of a kneeling woman holding a baby, surrounded by onlookers, conveys a sense of reverence and ritual.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp lines and a stark contrast between light and dark, the print showcases Dürer's mastery of chiaroscuro. The figures, though stiff, are rendered with careful attention to detail, creating a sense of solemnity.
History & Provenance
Created during the Northern Renaissance, the print is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to Dürer's enduring influence on European art.
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)
