Virgin on the Crescent with Scepter and Starry Crown

Virgin on the Crescent with Scepter and Starry Crown is an exquisite engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1516. This highly detailed print exemplifies the Northern Renaissance master's sophisticated command of the graphic arts during his late period. The subject depicts a traditional Marian iconography often associated with the Immaculate Conception or the Woman of the Apocalypse, though Dürer presents the figure in a serene, devotional manner designed for widespread circulation. The Virgin Mary stands upon a delicate crescent moon, a symbolic representation of purity, gazing downwards with solemn dignity.

Unlike many famous representations of the Madonna and Child, Dürer chose to portray the Virgin alone, emphasizing her regal status as the Queen of Heaven. She is crowned with a celestial circlet of stars and holds a prominent scepter. The remarkable clarity and precision achieved through Dürer’s mastery of the copper plate make this work a defining example of High Renaissance engraving. The highly controlled lines and fine cross-hatching used to render the drapery and atmosphere provide tremendous depth and texture, illustrating why Dürer’s prints were highly prized across Europe during the 16th century and remain influential today.

Created during a period of intense religious and intellectual ferment in Germany, this devotional image circulated widely, defining visual standards for subsequent artists working in the print medium. This beautiful piece demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled influence in making complex theological imagery accessible to a broader audience. Today, this definitive example of Northern Renaissance art is housed within the extensive collection of graphic arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.