Joachim and the Angel, from "The Life of the Virgin"

Joachim and the Angel, from "The Life of the Virgin" is a highly detailed woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1504. This print is one of nineteen subjects comprising Dürer's celebrated series detailing the life of the Virgin Mary, a cornerstone of Northern Renaissance graphic art. At the turn of the 16th century, Dürer revolutionized the woodcut technique, moving it beyond simple illustration into a complex fine art form capable of unprecedented subtlety and tonal variation. The immediate commercial and artistic success of this series cemented Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent master of German prints.

The scene depicts the moment Joachim, cast out from the Temple due to his childlessness, receives the joyous prophecy of his wife Anna’s pregnancy. Dürer positions Joachim, one of the central Men in this biblical narrative, standing dejectedly under a cluster of highly textured Trees that dominate the background. The celestial messenger, an Angel, descends from the upper right, interrupting Joachim’s solitary contemplation on the hillside. This work exemplifies Dürer’s innovative use of black and white, achieving complex dimensionality through intricate cross-hatching and varied line weight that gives the woodcut the appearance of a meticulous drawing.

As a pivotal example of Renaissance printmaking, the piece remains significant for its narrative clarity and technical execution. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural importance, high-resolution reproductions of this Dürer work are often found in the public domain, ensuring that this influential segment of his graphic output remains globally accessible for study and appreciation.