1513
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Virgin and Child on a Crescent is a 1513 ink by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a group of figures in a crowded, dreamy scene. At the center, a woman holds a child while standing on a crescent moon. Around them, angels and other figures float or stand, some holding musical instruments or books. The background is filled with swirling clouds and stars, giving everything a soft, ghostly look. The artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to create a sense of depth and movement. Notice how the figures’ robes flow like water, almost blending into the sky. Try looking up woodcut to see how this printmaking technique works.
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…
See the richer artist page
