The Virgin on the Crescent with a Crown of Stars

The Virgin on the Crescent with a Crown of Stars, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 in 1508, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Executed as an engraving in black on cream laid paper, this work demonstrates the artist’s unparalleled technical control and meticulous draftsmanship. Dürer elevated the status of the print medium in Germany, transforming it from a mere reproductive process into a primary art form. This specific representation of Mary is often linked conceptually to the Immaculate Conception.

The iconography depicts the Virgin Mary standing upon a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of stars, referencing the apocalyptic Woman Clothed with the Sun (Revelation 12:1). Such detailed religious subjects were highly sought after during the early 16th century, providing accessible devotional images for a wide audience. The precision of the line work is characteristic of Dürer’s engravings from this period, showcasing the delicate shading and textures achieved through dense cross-hatching and subtle transitions. This piece belongs to Dürer’s substantial output of prints that disseminated his reputation widely across Europe and established a benchmark for graphic arts.

The longevity and technical quality of this impression are preserved within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The detailed nature of this work, sometimes known simply as The Virgin on the Crescent, confirms Dürer’s status as the era’s foremost graphic artist. Because of the historical importance and age of the original work, high-resolution reproductions of these early prints are often widely available in the public domain for scholarly study and appreciation.