Artwork

The Virgin with a Starry Crown

The Virgin with a Starry Crown, by Albrecht Dürer, 1508
The Virgin with a Starry Crown, by Albrecht Dürer, 1508

The Virgin with a Starry Crown is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1508 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1934.334

About this work

Overview

The Virgin with a Starry Crown is a print by Albrecht Dürer, depicting the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon with Jesus in her arms.

Subject & Meaning

The image draws on the Book of Revelation, where a woman 'clothed with the sun' gives birth to a holy child, prefiguring Christ's birth. Dürer links Mary to this celestial figure, emphasizing her dual roles as Queen of Heaven and humble mother.

Technique & Style

The print features intricate detail, with a bright halo and rays of light surrounding Mary, set against a star-filled sky. Dürer's technique allowed for mass production, disseminating the image widely.

History & Provenance

Dürer created four versions of this scene; this print is held by The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The Virgin with Hairband on a Crescent Moon
The Virgin with Hairband on a Crescent Moon, Albrecht Dürer

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

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

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Virgin with a Starry Crown?

The Virgin with a Starry Crown was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1508.

Where can I see The Virgin with a Starry Crown?

The Virgin with a Starry Crown is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Virgin with a Starry Crown?

The Virgin with a Starry Crown is associated with Renaissance.