The Virgin on the crescent 1497 - 1500

Albrecht Dürer made this engraving, called "The Virgin on the Crescent," during the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century in Germany. This image of the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon connects to long-standing traditions of Marian devotion. During Dürer's time, the Catholic Church was a powerful institution whose influence extended into politics, social life, and the arts. Religious images like this one were not only objects of personal devotion but also powerful tools for shaping religious belief. Dürer's skill as a printmaker allowed images like this to circulate widely, contributing to the spread of religious ideas. To understand the image more deeply, scholars might look at theological texts or popular devotional literature from the period. By understanding the cultural and institutional context in which it was made, we can better appreciate its social function and enduring appeal.