Who painted The Visitation?

The Visitation was painted by Albrecht Altdorfer in 1513.

Where can I see The Visitation?

The Visitation is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Visitation?

The Visitation is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Visitation

Albrecht Altdorfer , 1513

The Visitation 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

Albrecht Altdorfer’s *The Visitation* is a woodcut printed on laid paper, dated to around 1513. Executed in the early Renaissance period in Regensburg, the work depicts the biblical encounter between the Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. The composition is framed by a dense, dark woodland that recedes behind the two figures, emphasizing their intimate exchange.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment described in the Gospel of Luke when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth, who bears John the Baptist. Both women are shown in modest robes, their gestures suggesting reverence and familial affection. The surrounding forest, rendered in muted tones, serves to isolate the encounter, underscoring its spiritual significance amid a natural setting.

Technique & Style

Altdorfer carved the scene into a wooden block, applying ink to the raised surfaces before pressing it onto laid paper. The woodcut’s fine line work creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the figures a sculptural quality. The treatment of the landscape reflects Altdorfer’s early interest in portraying nature as a distinct element, a hallmark of the Danube School.

History & Provenance

Created during Altdorfer’s formative years, the print aligns him with the Nuremberg Little Masters, a circle known for intricate small-scale prints. While the original block is lost, surviving impressions are held in several European collections, illustrating the work’s circulation among early 16th‑century collectors and its continued scholarly interest.

Artist & collection

Artist

Albrecht Altdorfer

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…