The Betrothal of the Virgin

The Betrothal of the Virgin by Albrecht Dürer is a remarkable example of Renaissance printmaking, executed as a woodcut on distinctive blue laid paper. This piece, created during the artist’s highly productive period between 1471 and 1528, exemplifies the high standards of technical skill achieved by German artists in the period spanning 1401 to 1500. Dürer was instrumental in elevating the status of the woodcut from a simple illustrative tool to an independent art form capable of narrative complexity and sophisticated detail.

The work captures the critical moment in Christian iconography when the Virgin Mary is formally wedded to Joseph, typically overseen by a High Priest and witnessed by surrounding community members. While the scene itself is traditional, Dürer masters the difficult demands of the woodcut technique, using precise lines and varying densities of shading to convey texture, volume, and architectural space. The use of blue laid paper, rather than the standard white or cream, provides a subtle, tonally rich backdrop that enhances the contrast and luminosity of the ink, showcasing the artist’s advanced understanding of compositional effects in his prints.

This piece stands as a crucial work in Dürer’s graphic output, demonstrating the narrative power he brought to biblical storytelling and the commercial appeal of high-quality reproductions. The widespread dissemination of such prints throughout Europe played a decisive role in establishing the artist's international reputation during his lifetime. This specific impression is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., contributing significantly to the understanding of late fifteenth-century graphic art. As a historical work of great importance, similar impressions by Dürer are often categorized today in the public domain, allowing broader scholarly and artistic access to his genius.