Who painted Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt?

Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1504.

Where can I see Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt?

Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt?

Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt

Albrecht Dürer , 1504

Life of the Virgin: The Rest in Egypt 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: The Rest in Egypt* (1504) is a woodcut from a series illustrating key moments in the life of the Virgin Mary, showcasing the artist's narrative skill and technical prowess in printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The scene juxtaposes everyday labor with sacred figures, depicting a bustling street with workers alongside a woman (likely the Virgin Mary) and child, surrounded by ethereal beings, blending mundane and divine elements.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, the piece features Dürer's characteristic attention to detail and expressive use of line, with a dramatic sky and contrasting textures highlighting his mastery of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1504, the work is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Dürer's widespread European recognition for his printmaking expertise.

Context

This work exemplifies the Renaissance tendency to integrate religious narratives with observations of everyday life, characteristic of the period's artistic and thematic explorations.

Legacy

*The Rest in Egypt* contributes to Dürer's legacy as a pioneer in printmaking, influencing subsequent artists in their depiction of detailed, layered scenes that blend the secular and the sacred.