Artwork
Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel
Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1922.286
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer created 'Life of the Virgin: Joachim and the Angel' around 1504 as part of a print series. This black-and-white work is characteristic of Dürer's expertise in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling man in a forest, reaching toward a tree, as an angel above him holds out a branch with fruit. The scene is likely a biblical narrative, with the angel's gesture suggesting a moment of revelation or offering.
Technique & Style
Dürer's use of sharp lines and detailed shading creates a sense of realism. The trees, with their rough bark and tangled roots, are rendered with great detail, illustrating Dürer's skill in capturing texture and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The print is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is part of a series that blends Northern European artistic traditions with Italian Renaissance influences, reflecting Dürer's travels and artistic range.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
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