Who painted The Visitation?

The Visitation was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1504.

Where can I see The Visitation?

The Visitation is held by Honolulu Museum of Art.

What movement is The Visitation?

The Visitation is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Visitation?

Museum-quality prints of The Visitation are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Visitation

Albrecht Dürer , 1504

The Visitation is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Honolulu Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Visitation is a woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1503, as part of a series on the Life of the Virgin.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the biblical episode of the Visitation, where Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her older cousin Elisabeth, who is also expecting a child, as described in Luke 1:39–56.

Technique & Style

The woodcut features two women in a tender greeting, with Mary's simplicity contrasted against Elisabeth's more pronounced pregnancy. Dürer's use of light and shadow is characteristic of his work in the medium.

Context

This print was part of a series on the life of Mary, produced using a woodcut technique that allowed for affordable printing and widespread distribution, making it accessible for individuals to display in their homes.