Artwork
Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 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.
- 1922.296
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer's 'Life of the Virgin: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple' is a print created in 1504, exemplifying the artist's skill in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical scene of Jesus' presentation at the Temple, a significant moment in Christian iconography. The central figure of a kneeling woman holding a baby, surrounded by onlookers, conveys a sense of reverence and ritual.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp lines and a stark contrast between light and dark, the print showcases Dürer's mastery of chiaroscuro. The figures, though stiff, are rendered with careful attention to detail, creating a sense of solemnity.
History & Provenance
Created during the Northern Renaissance, the print is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to Dürer's enduring influence on European art.
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)
