Artwork
Life of the Virgin: High Priest Rejecting the Offering of Joachim

Life of the Virgin: High Priest Rejecting the Offering of Joachim is a print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1493 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1924.526
- Credit line
- Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.
About this work
Overview
Life of the Virgin: High Priest Rejecting the Offering of Joachim is a print created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1493. It is part of a series illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a biblical scene in which a high priest rejects an offering from Joachim. The scene is set in a church or temple and features several figures, including a central figure holding a small box and a priest refusing it.
Technique & Style
The engraving is characterized by sharp lines and deep shadows, which create a sense of depth and dimensionality. The artist's use of detail and texture adds to the overall visual effect.
History & Provenance
Israhel van Meckenem was a prolific German engraver and goldsmith active from 1465 to 1503. He produced over 620 engravings, many of which were adaptations of other artists' works.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…


















