Joachim and St. Anne Meet at the Golden Gate, from The Life of the Virgin

The influential work Joachim and St. Anne Meet at the Golden Gate, from The Life of the Virgin was created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, in 1504. This piece, executed as a woodcut in black on tan laid paper, is a highlight of Dürer's extensive production of prints. It belongs to his major series chronicling the life of Mary, a popular subject during the Northern Renaissance in Germany.

The subject depicts the pivotal moment when the elderly Joachim and Anne reunite at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, a non-biblical event celebrated in tradition as symbolizing the Immaculate Conception. Dürer’s mastery of the woodcut technique is evident in the intricate folds of the drapery and the detailed urban setting, which demonstrate his ability to create volumetric figures within the constraints of the relief printing process. Produced in Germany around 1504, the complexity and sophisticated detailing present in the composition helped solidify Dürer’s reputation across Europe as the leading master of graphic arts during this period.

As a print, this piece was intended for wide distribution, reflecting Dürer’s successful strategy to market his images broadly and efficiently. Works from this specific series, The Life of the Virgin, are now considered foundational pieces of art history. This particular impression of Joachim and St. Anne Meet at the Golden Gate is held within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to its age and historical importance, Dürer’s extensive catalog of prints and graphic arts is widely available, frequently falling into the public domain for research and appreciation globally.