Description:Created in c.1510, this work is one of thirty six images Dürer created to illustrate the famous series: The Small Passion. This is a trial proof impression prior to the edition of 1511 with the artist’s initials engraved in the plate along the upper right of the work.
According to Strauss, “Dürer has not only solved very successfully the problems of spatial perspective, but has here also emphasized the figures to a remarkable extent” (408). The dove, signifying the vehicle through which the immaculate conception was realized, bursts from the heaves above and appears to glide through the sky over the Virgin Mary. She is in a gestured, praying pose, appearing to be happy, anticipating the arrival of the angel who appears at her side. Highly emotional and incredibly poignant, Dürer captures this moment with utter charm and intrigue, creating this woodcut into one of his most fascinating works.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).
1. Strauss, Walter L., ed. Albrecht Dürer, Woodcuts and Woodblocks, New York, 1980. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 139 on pgs. 408-9.
2. Holzschnitte & Holzschnittfolgen. Albrecht Dürer – Das Druckgraphische Werk, Band II, New York, 2002. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 189 on pgs. 291-2.
3. Kurth, Willi. The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, New York, 1963. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 225 and detailed on pg. 30-1.
4. Boon, Karel G. & Robert W. Scheller. The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer, Hans Dürer, and The Dürer School, Amsterdam, 1971. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 128 on pg. 116.
5. Meder, Joseph. Dürer-Katalog, Vienna, 1932. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 129 on pg. 134.
6. Pawlak, Manfred, et. al. Albrecht Dürer, 1471 bis 1528. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 1595.
7. Barlow, T.D. Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, London, 1948. Listed and illustrated as plate no. 47.
About the Framing:
This work is displayed in a dark wood frame with gold leaf detailing around the inner and outer edges of the molding. The work is presented with recessed white silk mattes and a delicate inner gold fillet which accentuates the tonal qualities of the paper.
