The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, from "The Life of the Virgin"

The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, from "The Life of the Virgin," is a pivotal work by the renowned German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, dating from 1503. This powerful piece is a masterful example of the woodcut technique, demonstrating Dürer's revolutionary approach to printmaking, which elevated the medium from simple illustration to high art during the Northern Renaissance. Produced early in the 16th century, this print belongs to Dürer’s influential series, The Life of the Virgin, a major project showcasing the domestic and spiritual life of the Virgin Mary.

The composition depicts the climactic moment the young Virgin Mary ascends the impossibly steep steps of the Temple in Jerusalem, a narrative often derived from the Golden Legend. Dürer utilizes intricate architectural complexity to emphasize the Temple's monumental scale, successfully contrasting the imposing setting with the small, singular figure of Mary proceeding toward the High Priest waiting at the apex.

The scene is densely populated with onlookers: groups of men gather below watching the procession, while women and other figures observe the miraculous event from various vantage points. A key detail in the lower foreground is the inclusion of a lamb nestled near the steps, symbolizing Mary's purity and foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Dürer’s expressive line work and dramatic use of light and shadow solidify his status as a key figure in the history of graphic prints. This particular impression of the work resides in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As an historic print of this age, this influential woodcut series is now often available through public domain collections worldwide.