Artwork
Virgin Crowned by an Angel
Virgin Crowned by an Angel is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer’s engraving depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a modest wooden bench, her attire simple, as an angel descends to place a delicate diadem upon her head. The composition merges earthly modesty with celestial authority, presenting Mary as a regal figure within a restrained setting.
Subject & Meaning
Mary’s direct gaze engages the viewer, underscoring her role as an intermediary between humanity and the divine. The act of crowning by the angel conveys her status as Queen of Heaven, while her unadorned surroundings emphasize humility alongside spiritual elevation.
Technique & Style
Dürer employs a finely rendered halo composed of dense, radiating lines to signal sanctity, a device also seen in his contemporary Virgin with the Swaddled Child. The engraving’s contrast of light and shadow reflects a chiaroscuro sensibility, enhancing the three‑dimensionality of the figures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1520, the work formed part of a planned trio of engravings. Dürer distributed copies of this piece during his 1520‑21 journey to the Netherlands, indicating its circulation among patrons and collectors of the period.
Context
The image aligns with early 16th‑century devotional trends that emphasized personal piety and the accessibility of holy figures. By portraying Mary in a relatable, domestic setting while still affirming her celestial role, Dürer bridges contemporary religious practice with traditional iconography.
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)
The Virgin with the Swaddled Child
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The Virgin with Hairband on a Crescent Moon
The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels
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The Virgin Surrounded by Many Angels
The Virgin and Child with the Pear
Virgin Crowned by Two Angels
The Virgin and Child with a Monkey
The Virgin and Child on a Grassy Bench