Virgin on a Crescent with a Starry Crown

Virgin on a Crescent with a Starry Crown is a significant engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1508. This Northern Renaissance masterwork captures the traditional theme of the Madonna and Child, presented here as the Woman of the Apocalypse, standing upon a crescent moon. As an early example of his mature style in the medium of printmaking, the work showcases the remarkable precision and technical refinement that defined Dürer’s contributions to the graphic arts. This impression is preserved within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dürer depicts the Virgin Mary crowned with twelve stars, holding the infant Jesus who raises his hand in a gesture of blessing. The iconography of the Madonna standing on a crescent moon is deeply rooted in religious symbolism, primarily referencing Revelations 12:1, which identifies her as the Queen of Heaven. The technical brilliance of Dürer is evident in the detailed handling of light and shadow, achieved entirely through meticulous cross-hatching and fine linework typical of the German Renaissance period. This small-format engraving demonstrates the artist's ability to imbue prints with monumental feeling, a characteristic that cemented his reputation across Europe.

While many of Dürer’s graphic works were designed for wide circulation, this particular image of the Madonna and Child remains one of his most revered depictions of the subject. The enduring popularity of the motif ensured that high-quality prints were widely disseminated during the 16th century and beyond. Today, the artistic legacy of this piece is such that high-resolution images are frequently available through public domain initiatives, allowing art historians and enthusiasts worldwide to study Dürer's technical genius in detail.