Virgin on the Crescent with Scepter and Starry Crown

Virgin on the Crescent with Scepter and Starry Crown by Albrecht Dürer is a remarkable example of Northern Renaissance prints, executed in 1516. This highly detailed engraving represents a pinnacle of the graphic arts technique during Dürer's career. The work, a masterful contribution to the iconography of the Madonna and Child, emphasizes both spiritual grace and technical precision inherent in the medium.

In this composition, Dürer depicts the Madonna standing in a posture of regal serenity, balancing the Christ Child on her arm. She is positioned atop the crescent moon, an ancient symbol associated with purity and the Immaculate Conception. The celestial imagery is further reinforced by the starry crown she wears and the scepter she holds, traditionally symbolizing her queenly status as Queen of Heaven (Regina Coeli). Unlike many previous depictions of the Madonna and Child that focused solely on maternal tenderness, Dürer elevates the figure to a monumental, almost sculptural presence through the precise articulation of form achievable through the engraving process.

Created during the height of the German Renaissance, this piece demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled ability to fuse Italian Humanist ideals with the minute detail characteristic of the Northern tradition. The wide dissemination of Dürer’s high-quality prints played a critical role in spreading artistic trends across Europe during the sixteenth century. This exceptional impression of Virgin on the Crescent with Scepter and Starry Crown is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a cornerstone example of the artist's graphic work from 1516.