The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels 1485 - 1966

Albrecht Durer made this print, "The Virgin Crowned by Two Angels," using the engraving method. It involves incising lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to transfer the design onto paper. The most striking aspect of Durer's print is his mastery of line. He used varied strokes to create a sense of depth and texture. Note how he used hatching and cross-hatching to create shadows and volume in the Virgin's robes, and the delicate wisps of the angel's wings. The density of these lines influences the overall appearance, giving it weight and substance, while the stark contrast between light and shadow adds drama. The engraving process itself is labor-intensive, demanding great skill and precision. Each line is a deliberate act, reflecting the artist's control over the material. This painstaking technique elevates printmaking to a high art, challenging the traditional hierarchy that separated it from painting and sculpture. By focusing on the materiality of the print, we see how Durer transformed a humble medium into a powerful means of artistic expression.