The Visitation, from The Life of the Virgin

The Visitation, from The Life of the Virgin by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a significant early sixteenth-century German woodcut dating to 1504. Executed in black ink on ivory laid paper, this print is one installment within Dürer’s celebrated series, The Life of the Virgin. The composition depicts the biblical meeting between the Virgin Mary and her cousin, Saint Elizabeth. This deeply emotional moment, known as the Visitation, signals the mutual recognition of their miraculous pregnancies, Mary with Jesus and Elizabeth with John the Baptist.

Dürer revolutionized the medium of the woodcut, elevating it from a basic illustrative tool to a sophisticated artistic form capable of detailed expression comparable to engraving. The stark contrast inherent in this type of print allowed Dürer to render complex, heavy drapery folds and expressive human emotion, characteristics central to the Northern Renaissance style originating in Germany. The scene is carefully framed by architectural elements that emphasize the intimacy of the exchange between the two figures, set against a distant, receding landscape.

Created during a period of immense artistic innovation, this work demonstrates Dürer’s exceptional skill in manipulating line to suggest both depth and volume. His prints circulated widely across Europe, cementing his reputation as one of the era’s most influential artists. As a foundational piece in the history of graphic arts, this masterwork is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The enduring influence and wide accessibility of such images mean that Dürer's seminal prints are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring their continued study and appreciation globally.