The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, created by Albrecht Dürer around 1502-1503, is a masterwork of the Northern Renaissance print tradition and forms part of his influential series dedicated to the Life of the Virgin. Executed as a woodcut, this piece belongs to the period between 1501 to 1550, which marks the zenith of German graphic arts, where Dürer innovatively utilized the woodblock medium to achieve unprecedented detail and dramatic composition, challenging the established dominance of engraving.
In this pivotal theological scene, Dürer depicts the three-year-old Mary ascending the monumental steps of the Temple, a structure that dominates the background and symbolizes her dedication to God. She is flanked by her parents, Joachim and Anne, while a crowd of observant onlookers and priests populate the foreground and the surrounding architectural setting. Unlike earlier, simpler woodcuts which relied on broad outlines, Dürer employs complex crosshatching and varied line work to simulate subtle light and shadow, demonstrating his sophisticated understanding of volume and perspective, which he derived from his exposure to Italian artistic principles. The dynamic arrangement of figures and the sheer scale of the building reflect the revolutionary changes Dürer brought to printmaking, transforming the woodcut from a folk medium into a serious vehicle for complex narrative art.
The widespread accessibility of this work, achieved through its status as a print, ensured Dürer’s fame stretched across Europe and solidified his status as the preeminent artist of the era. Prints of this caliber remain vital scholarly tools; depending on the specific edition and institutional policies, high-quality versions are often made available as public domain resources. This historically significant German work is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a key example of the technical mastery and narrative power achieved during the early sixteenth century.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.