Virgin and Child Crowned by Two Angels

Virgin and Child Crowned by Two Angels is an exquisite engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1518. This print exemplifies the artist's mature German Renaissance style, marked by precise draftsmanship and spiritual intensity. Dürer was instrumental in elevating the status of the print medium during the early 16th century, utilizing the burin with technical mastery to achieve tonal variations and textures that rivaled traditional painting.

The composition centers on the figures of the Madonna and Child, a classical subject Dürer revisited numerous times throughout his career. The Virgin Mary is shown gazing downward with maternal affection, presenting a robust, active Christ child. Above them, two small Angels float gracefully, carefully positioning a substantial crown upon the Virgin's head, directly referencing her status as the Queen of Heaven. The delicate handling of light and shadow, achieved entirely through meticulous cross-hatching, brings a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the figures and their voluminous drapery.

This piece is classified specifically as an engraving and remains a foundational example of Northern European graphic arts from the period. Dürer’s ability to imbue prints with such detailed narrative and emotional complexity made his graphic works highly sought after across Europe. Many impressions of this work are held in major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where this fine impression resides. Due to its significant artistic and historical stature, high-quality images of this Dürer masterwork are frequently found in the public domain, allowing for widespread scholarly study and appreciation.