Altarpiece with the Beautiful Virgin of Regensburg and Saints Christopher, Mary Magdalen, Florian and Catherine Standing in Niches, with God the Father Above 1500 - 1538

This altarpiece with the Beautiful Virgin of Regensburg was created by Albrecht Altdorfer using an engraving technique. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the carved lines. When pressed onto paper, it creates a precise, linear image. The visual effect of this print is defined by the density and direction of the engraved lines, which create shading, texture, and form. Altdorfer skillfully manipulates the burin to produce a range of tonal effects, from the delicate highlights on the figures' faces to the deep shadows in the architectural details. The fine lines allow for an incredible level of detail, capturing the intricate folds of the drapery, the expressions on the faces of the saints, and the ornamentation of the altarpiece. The act of engraving itself is labor-intensive, requiring both physical strength and artistic precision. Altdorfer's mastery of this craft is evident in the final print, a testament to his skill and dedication.