The Visitation, from "The Life of the Virgin" (copy)

The Visitation, from "The Life of the Virgin" (copy) by Albrecht Dürer is a significant woodcut print dating between 1504 and 1511. This work belongs to Dürer’s influential Life of the Virgin series, a cycle renowned for its meticulous detail and technical mastery in the Northern Renaissance tradition. The scene depicts the biblical encounter where the pregnant Virgin Mary visits her older cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with John the Baptist.

Dürer’s masterful command of the woodcut technique allowed him to achieve fine lines and rich tonal contrasts, elevating what was often considered a utilitarian art form into a medium for high artistry. Although this specific piece is cataloged as a copy, it successfully captures the depth and compositional complexity of the original design, which was integral to the artist’s prolific graphic output. The setting features a rocky path and prominent Trees, providing a naturalistic, intimate backdrop for the meeting of the two Women. Mary and Elizabeth stand centrally, surrounded by supporting figures including Men. A subtle detail observed in the foreground is the inclusion of one or more Dogs, a common motif that grounds the sacred event in everyday life.

The widespread dissemination of Dürer’s highly detailed prints during his lifetime contributed significantly to his international reputation as a versatile artist and master printmaker. This particular impression of The Visitation is preserved within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a crucial example of early 16th-century German religious prints. Today, high-quality images and prints of Dürer’s works, including The Visitation, are frequently available through museum digital archives, often existing in the public domain, ensuring continued global study and appreciation of his graphic achievements.