The Circumcision, from "The Life of the Virgin"

The Circumcision, from "The Life of the Virgin" is a profound woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer in 1504. Forming part of his celebrated series, The Life of the Virgin, this piece demonstrates the German master’s revolutionary approach to relief printing. Dürer significantly elevated the technical complexity of the woodcut medium, utilizing dense, meticulous lines to achieve tonal variation and depth previously associated only with copperplate engraving. The crisp execution and dramatic internal light sources highlight his mastery of graphic arts during the Northern Renaissance.

The subject matter depicts the ceremony of the Circumcision of Jesus, an important theological scene recognizing the infant Christ’s initiation into the covenant of Israel. The composition centers around a crowded, detailed architectural space. A gathering of figures, primarily men, surrounds the altar where the infant Jesus is attended to. Dürer stages the event with great dramatic effect, employing focused light to draw the viewer’s eye toward the central religious act. The meticulous rendering of the textiles and architecture showcases the artist’s characteristic attention to detail.

This print, like others in The Life of the Virgin series, was immensely popular and widely circulated across Europe, contributing significantly to Dürer’s international renown and influence on other Renaissance artists. This specific impression is held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, this celebrated example of Renaissance prints is often accessible today through the public domain, allowing for wide study of the artist’s intricate narrative style.