Artwork
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent is a woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1513. It is a representative work of the Danube School, a group known for expressive and colorful depictions of biblical scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child on a crescent moon, surrounded by angels and other figures amidst swirling clouds and stars. The scene is crowded and dreamlike, with the figures and background blending together.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed sharp lines and deep shadows to convey depth and movement in the woodcut. The figures' robes appear fluid, merging with the surrounding sky. The use of woodcut technique allowed for a distinctive, expressive style characteristic of Altdorfer's work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent with a Diadem
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent with a Sceptre and a Starry Crown
The Virgin with the Child on the Crescent
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent with a Starry Crown
The Virgin on the Crescent
The Virgin and Child on the Crescent
The Virgin and Child on the Crescent
The Virgin and Child on the Crescent
The Virgin and Child on the Crescent