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 significant print by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528. Executed between 1503 and 1504, this work is a superb example of the technical mastery Dürer brought to the woodcut medium during the Northern Renaissance. The artwork utilizes black ink on ivory laid paper, demonstrating the artist’s precise control over line and shadow, which were crucial elements in maximizing the expressive power of prints intended for wide distribution.

This piece belongs to Dürer’s celebrated series The Life of the Virgin. The composition depicts the moment when the young Virgin Mary, escorted by her parents, Saints Anne and Joachim, ascends the high steps to the Temple where she is greeted by the High Priest. The architectural setting reflects Dürer’s integration of Italian Renaissance principles into German artistic traditions, using complex perspective to draw the viewer into the dramatic verticality of the scene. The detail in the figures’ drapery and the surrounding architecture typifies the high standard of graphic output coming from Germany at the beginning of the 16th century.

As a vital work in the history of graphic arts, The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple helped solidify Dürer’s international reputation. The widespread circulation of his prints profoundly influenced subsequent generations of European printmakers. This masterwork is classified as a print and resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a key early modern work, reproductions of this Dürer woodcut are often available through various museum and public domain resources, ensuring its continued study and appreciation.