The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple by Albrecht Dürer is a significant woodcut created around 1504-1505. This work belongs to Dürer’s seminal series, The Life of the Virgin, a project that cemented his reputation as a master printmaker during the German Renaissance. Executed in the challenging woodcut medium, Dürer achieved a level of detail and textural nuance previously unmatched in relief printing, challenging the dominance of the engraved line.

The piece depicts the moment Mary and Joseph bring the infant Christ to the Temple in Jerusalem, adhering to the religious law of purification forty days after birth. Central to the composition is the figure of the elderly Simeon, who holds the child and recognizes him as the Messiah, delivering the prophetic Nunc dimittis. Dürer’s command over the line allows him to render the crowded, architectural setting with dramatic depth, distinguishing between the rich textures of the figures' robes and the solidity of the temple interior. Produced between the years 1501 to 1550, this print exemplifies the technical innovation occurring in German art at the turn of the sixteenth century, where prints became a primary vehicle for disseminating complex religious narratives and artistic style across Europe.

Dürer’s proficiency in the woodcut format made his devotional art highly accessible, contributing significantly to his enduring fame. This technical refinement ensured that his prints remained popular, often circulating widely; consequently, many of Dürer's prints are now considered part of the public domain, allowing for extensive study and appreciation. This particular impression of The Presentation of Christ in the Temple is preserved within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a powerful example of the sophisticated technique achieved by this pivotal German artist.