The Birth of the Virgin 1540 - 1550

This anonymous etching, “The Birth of the Virgin,” depicts the biblical story of the birth of the Virgin Mary. The scene is set in a domestic interior, with a group of women gathered around the birthing bed. The central figure is a woman giving birth, while others tend to her and the newborn baby. The artist’s use of line creates a sense of movement and emotion, conveying the drama of the event. The print is an example of the Renaissance revival of interest in classical art and literature.