Who painted Madonna on the Crescent?

Madonna on the Crescent was painted by Martin Schongauer in 1470.

Where can I see Madonna on the Crescent?

Madonna on the Crescent is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna on the Crescent?

Madonna on the Crescent is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna on the Crescent?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna on the Crescent are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Madonna on the Crescent

Martin Schongauer , 1470

Madonna on the Crescent is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Madonna on the Crescent is a 15th-century engraving, circa 1470, by Martin Schongauer, featuring the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child on a crescent moon, accompanied by celestial elements and symbolic details.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a crescent moon, cradling the Christ Child, who reaches towards her. Two winged angels attend them, one offering a floral crown. Flames and clouds complete the sacred, heavenly scene.

Technique & Style

Schongauer employed fine lines and shading techniques characteristic of Northern Renaissance engraving to achieve depth. This method, typical of the era's printmaking, highlights the artist's meticulous craftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Created by Alsatian artist Martin Schongauer (active until 1491), this work is one of his 116 known engravings, all bearing his monogram. It represents a pinnacle of pre-Dürer printmaking north of the Alps.

Context

Madonna on the Crescent reflects the religious themes prevalent in early Northern Renaissance art, showcasing the period's experimentation with print techniques and attention to detail.

Legacy

As a seminal work by the most significant printmaker of his time before Dürer, Madonna on the Crescent influences the development of Northern European printmaking and religious iconography in the Renaissance.

The Virgin on the Crescent, Albrecht Dürer

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Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…