The Glorification of the Virgin, from The Life of the Virgin, Latin Edition, 1511 1511

This is The Glorification of the Virgin, a woodcut made by Albrecht Durer in 1511. Woodcut is a relief printing process. First, the artist carves an image into a block of wood. Ink is applied to the raised surfaces, and then paper is pressed against the block to create the print. Consider the texture; the dense network of lines, all achieved laboriously, by hand. Look closely, and you’ll see how Durer varies the mark to create shadow, depth, and surface. It would have taken extraordinary skill to render figures and architectural details. The Latin inscription at the bottom of the image is part of the print itself, evidence of how this image was intended for widespread consumption. Woodcuts like this one played a vital role in disseminating images and ideas across Europe. They were a relatively inexpensive and efficient means of mass production. The commercial aspect of printmaking is also revealed in the text, which warns against the illegal pirating and sale of Durer's images.