1515
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Fall and Redemption of Man: The Annunciation is a 1515 by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This print shows two figures in a dark, textured scene. One is hunched over, holding a staff, while the other kneels with hands clasped. Above them, a bright light shines down, and a tree branch curves across the top. The lines are sharp, with lots of cross-hatching to create shadows and shape. Notice how the light cuts through the dark background, making the figures stand out. The artist used this contrast to draw attention to their expressions and actions. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this lighting trick works in other art.
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…
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