The Annunciation, from The Life of the Virgin

The Annunciation, from The Life of the Virgin is a foundational work by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, executed in 1511. This intricate woodcut in black on ivory laid paper is a key component of Dürer’s iconic series, The Life of the Virgin. Dürer, a foremost master of the German Renaissance, fundamentally revolutionized the status of printmaking by demonstrating that woodcuts could achieve the complexity and tonal variation traditionally reserved for engraving. This piece exemplifies his mature style, which skillfully blends meticulous Northern European realism with Italianate compositional principles and a highly controlled application of light and shadow.

The subject depicts the moment the Archangel Gabriel appears before Mary to announce the coming conception of Christ. Unlike earlier medieval depictions that often placed the scene in open settings, Dürer confines the interaction within a detailed, intimate domestic interior, reflecting the emphasis on private piety that was prevalent in Germany during the early 16th century. The artist's powerful use of deeply cut lines defines the architectural space and focuses the viewer's attention on the central spiritual dialogue.

Executed during one of the most prolific periods of Dürer’s career, this series was immensely influential across Renaissance Germany and beyond, reaching a wide audience through the reproducible nature of prints. As one of the preeminent figures of the era, Dürer ensured that high-quality religious imagery was readily accessible to the public. The continued preservation of this pivotal work, recognized as a milestone in the history of graphic arts, resides within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.