The Virgin on a Crescent with a Crown of Stars and a Scepter

The influential Northern Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 created The Virgin on a Crescent with a Crown of Stars and a Scepter in 1516. This striking religious scene is executed as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing Dürer's exceptional technical skill in metalworking and intaglio printing. The precision required for this complex medium allowed the artist to achieve the incredibly fine lines and subtle gradations of tone for which he is widely recognized.

The iconography depicts the Virgin Mary as the Woman of the Apocalypse, a traditional Marian image drawn from the Book of Revelation (12:1). She stands dynamically upon a crescent moon, a symbol often associated with purity and the conquest of sin, while balancing a regal scepter. The implied crown of twelve stars, a feature central to the title, frames her head, emphasizing her role as the Queen of Heaven. Produced in Germany, the work reflects the intense focus on Marian devotion during the early 16th century, a period of burgeoning religious and intellectual change that Dürer keenly navigated through his masterful production of prints.

As one of the most significant printmakers of the Renaissance, Dürer’s command of the burin elevated the status of the print medium from mere illustration to independent high art. This particular impression demonstrates the refinement of his late career, offering both technical excellence and profound spiritual resonance. This important piece of 16th-century German art resides in the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.