Who painted The Madonna on the Crescent?

The Madonna on the Crescent was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1510.

Where can I see The Madonna on the Crescent?

The Madonna on the Crescent is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Madonna on the Crescent?

The Madonna on the Crescent is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

The Madonna on the Crescent

Albrecht Dürer , 1510

The Madonna on the Crescent is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Madonna on the Crescent is a 1510 woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, representing a figure from Christian eschatology.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the Woman of the Apocalypse, symbolizing power and purity, standing on a crescent moon, adorned in regal, flowing attire and a crown, embodying a blend of religious and mythological motifs characteristic of Dürer's oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the work utilizes a technique where a design is carved into a woodblock, inked, and pressed onto paper, allowing for mass reproduction. Dürer's mastery of this medium is evident in the intricate details and textures achieved.

History & Provenance

Created in 1510, the woodcut's provenance is not detailed here, though its creation during the Northern Renaissance highlights Dürer's influence in popularizing religious themes through printmaking.

Context

The blend of religious and mythological elements was common during the Northern Renaissance, reflecting the era's intellectual and artistic inclinations. Dürer frequently explored such themes, contributing to their widespread appeal.

Legacy

As one of Dürer's notable prints, The Madonna on the Crescent contributes to the artist's legacy in woodcut technique and the dissemination of religious imagery during the Renaissance.