The Visitation, from the Life of the Virgin series
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Leo Wallerstein
Accession Number
1954-89-16
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Albrecht Dürer, of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance, *The Visitation* around 1506 as part of his renowned *Life of the Virgin series. This German master (1471–1528) depicted key biblical moments from the Virgin Mary's life, drawing on the Gospel of Luke for this scene where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, announcing the coming of Christ. As a print in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—generously gifted by Leo Wallerstein— exemplifies Dürer's skill in transforming religious narrative into accessible art. Dürer's prints revolutionized the medium, allowing intric...