The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalen by Albrecht Dürer is a remarkable example of Northern Renaissance graphic art, executed between the years 1485 and 1528. This striking print utilizes the demanding technique of the woodcut, a medium Dürer notably elevated from folk craft to a vehicle for complex theological and narrative expression. Dürer’s early mastery of line and detail allowed him to create visual narratives with an unprecedented level of refinement, making his prints highly influential across Europe.
The subject matter focuses on Saint Mary Magdalene, depicted here in the traditional apocryphal narrative of her final, mystical experience in the wilderness. The iconography shows the saint supported and transported heavenward by a group of Angels, symbolizing her ultimate transition from penitent sinner to blessed figure. Dürer paid close attention to the dramatic Landscapes surrounding the figures, which anchor the fantastical spiritual event in a recognizable, yet deeply expressive, world.
This renowned work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). As one of the most prolific and technically brilliant German artists of his age, Dürer’s legacy continues to shape the understanding of Renaissance art. Due to the work's historical importance and age, high-quality images of this Dürer woodcut are frequently accessible through the public domain, ensuring that the intricate details of this significant print remain available for scholarship and appreciation worldwide.
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