Madonna Crowned by Two Angels

Madonna Crowned by Two Angels by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a masterful example of Renaissance printmaking, dated 1518. Executed as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, the work showcases Dürer's unparalleled precision in handling the burin. This laborious technique, highly developed in Germany during the early 16th century, allowed the artist to achieve remarkably subtle gradations of shadow and texture, thereby demonstrating the potential of the print medium to rival the detail found in drawing or painting.

The composition depicts the Virgin Mary seated in contemplation, possibly holding the Christ Child (though this varies by impression), while two small, delicately rendered angels hover above her head, gently placing a radiant crown upon her. The iconography reflects the central role of Marian devotion in European piety during this period. The intensity of the line work, which defines the volumetric drapery and the serene expressions of the figures, is characteristic of Dürer’s mature style. 1471-1528 was dedicated to elevating the status of the print, transforming what was often a reproductive medium into a primary art form suitable for intellectual contemplation.

As one of the final graphic works created before Dürer shifted his focus in his later years, Madonna Crowned by Two Angels remains a key image in his renowned graphic oeuvre. This specific impression of the print is held in the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, a testament to the work’s enduring importance. Due to its age and the artist's historical classification, this powerful representation is widely accessible through public domain collections, ensuring the continued study of Dürer's mastery of the printed line.