The Virgin on the Crescent (copy) by Albrecht Dürer is an important early example of the widespread influence of the German Renaissance master’s designs. Classified as a print, this engraving reproduces Dürer's original composition focused on the deeply revered subject of the Madonna and Child. The precise medium of engraving allowed for the meticulous reproduction and dissemination of high-quality religious imagery across Europe.
Produced sometime between 1485 and 1600, this timeframe encompasses the peak of Dürer’s printmaking activity and the subsequent centuries where his iconographic works were eagerly copied. Dürer was instrumental in elevating printmaking from a craft to a recognized art form, making his creations highly desirable and frequently replicated by other artists seeking to capitalize on the popularity of his imagery.
The composition depicts the Virgin Mary standing atop a crescent moon, often associated with the Woman of the Apocalypse, while securely supporting the infant Christ. This specific rendering of the Madonna and Child motif became highly popular following its original execution by Dürer.
This impression of the iconic representation resides within the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection of prints. Given the age and historical significance of the design, many high-resolution examples and references of the original are found in the public domain, ensuring continued study and appreciation of Dürer’s profound and lasting impact on Renaissance artistic tradition.
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