Artwork

The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels

The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels, by German 15th Century, ink, 1500
The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels, by German 15th Century, ink, 1500

The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The background is filled with delicate swirls and stars, all carved into the dark paper in white lines.

This image shows a woman holding a small child, surrounded by flowing robes and intricate patterns. Two angels hover above her, one holding a crown. The background is filled with delicate swirls and stars, all carved into the dark paper in white lines.

The artist used a woodcut technique, where the design is carved into wood and then inked. This method was popular in the 15th century for creating detailed prints.

Next, look up technique: woodcut to see how artists made prints like this one.

Overview

The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels is a print created using the woodcut technique on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman, likely the Virgin Mary, holding the Christ child, surrounded by ornate robes and patterns, with two angels above her, one holding a crown, set against a background of swirling motifs and stars.

Technique & Style

The print is executed in white line woodcut, where the design is carved into the woodblock, resulting in a white image on a dark background, showcasing intricate details and patterns characteristic of 15th-century printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.