Joachim Receiving the Promise of the Birth of the Virgin 1520

Sebald Beham's "Joachim Receiving the Promise of the Birth of the Virgin" is a small, intricate engraving from 1520. The artwork depicts the biblical story of Joachim, who receives a divine promise of the birth of the Virgin Mary while kneeling in prayer. The detailed depiction of the landscape, with its trees and mountains, adds to the scene's sense of awe and wonder. Beham's meticulous use of lines creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer into the moment of Joachim's revelation. This engraving, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fine example of the artist's skillful mastery of the medium.