The Virgin with the Blessing Child in a Landscape c. 16th century

Curator: Albrecht Altdorfer, who died in 1538, offers us this print titled "The Virgin with the Blessing Child in a Landscape," currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a quietude about the detailed etching. The landscape, though intricate, is very somber. Curator: Altdorfer was a key figure in the Danube School, known for its emphasis on landscape, moving it from background to the main subject and imbuing it with meaning. Editor: The cross-hatching really defines the form here. See how it models Mary's voluminous drapery and yet maintains that sense of the natural world. Curator: Religious imagery was often a way to convey political and social messages in this period. The serene image may be offering a vision of hope amid turbulent times. Editor: I find the halos almost weightless, ethereal, especially against the defined, earthly background. Curator: It reminds us of the powerful influence religious imagery held and how it was woven into the everyday life of the time. Editor: Agreed. The overall composition creates a deeply contemplative effect.