Artwork
The Virgin with a Starry Crown
The Virgin with a Starry Crown is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1508 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin with a Starry Crown is a print by Albrecht Dürer, depicting the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon with Jesus in her arms.
Subject & Meaning
The image draws on the Book of Revelation, where a woman 'clothed with the sun' gives birth to a holy child, prefiguring Christ's birth. Dürer links Mary to this celestial figure, emphasizing her dual roles as Queen of Heaven and humble mother.
Technique & Style
The print features intricate detail, with a bright halo and rays of light surrounding Mary, set against a star-filled sky. Dürer's technique allowed for mass production, disseminating the image widely.
History & Provenance
Dürer created four versions of this scene; this print is held by The Cleveland Museum of 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)
