Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child is a profound and technically masterful engraving created by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in 1520. Classified as a foundational example of graphic art, this print demonstrates the unparalleled precision and clarity Dürer achieved using the burin. Produced late in his career, the work showcases the intricate cross-hatching and sophisticated manipulation of line weight that allowed the artist to convey complex textures, shadow, and voluminous forms purely through incised lines on a copper plate.

The subject matter, traditionally identified as the Madonna and Child, was one of the most popular themes in 16th-century religious iconography. Dürer depicts the tender moment with characteristic solemnity and grace, emphasizing the human relationship between the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child while retaining the devotional function of the image. The accessibility and reproducibility inherent in the print medium allowed Dürer’s religious imagery, such as this Virgin and Child, to circulate widely, solidifying his reputation across Europe and profoundly influencing subsequent generations of printmakers.

This particular impression resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved as a key example of Northern European Renaissance prints. As a cornerstone of Western art history, the enduring popularity of Dürer's work ensures that numerous high-quality digital representations of his prints are readily available through public domain initiatives, providing students and researchers continuous access to the subtleties of this iconic 1520 engraving.