The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin, from "The Life of the Virgin"

The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin, from "The Life of the Virgin" by Albrecht Dürer, is a powerful example of Northern Renaissance devotional prints. Executed as a woodcut in 1510, this work serves as the culminating image in Dürer's celebrated series detailing the life of the Virgin Mary, a project that cemented his reputation as the foremost graphic artist of his era. Dürer elevated the woodcut medium beyond simple illustration, utilizing sophisticated techniques to achieve high levels of detail, texture, and dramatic illumination typically reserved for engraving.

The piece vividly depicts the theological events surrounding the end of Mary’s earthly life. The central scene shows the Assumption of the Virgin where, having been taken into heaven, she is crowned by the Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The dynamic composition places Mary at the center, radiating light, while she is surrounded by a celestial court of cherubim and saints. This iconography powerfully emphasizes Mary’s status as the Queen of Heaven, a prevalent theme in early sixteenth-century Catholic piety.

Dürer’s masterful control over line and shadow gives the print its intensity, making these relatively inexpensive prints highly sought after by collectors and devout individuals. This specific impression, demonstrating the technical brilliance and spiritual depth characteristic of the artist, is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a foundational work of European graphic art, this historic woodcut is often referenced in discussions of Dürer’s contributions to the public domain and the history of printmaking.