Presentatie van Maria in de tempel 1501 - 1505

Albrecht Durer made this print, ‘Presentation of Mary in the Temple’ with an engraver’s tools. He cuts the image in reverse into a smooth block of wood. The character of a woodcut is determined by this direct, forceful action. Look closely, and you can see how Durer’s technique has imbued the artwork with life. He uses strong lines to define forms and create contrasts between light and shadow. As a printmaker, Durer had to understand how to multiply images to reach a wider audience, which was deeply connected to the rise of a merchant class and expanding markets for art. The image becomes an emblem of cultural and religious values, and Durer's technical virtuosity is key to the work’s aesthetic and social impact. The artistry and labor required to create the work, from the initial concept to the final print, challenges the traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.