DISCOVERART

Albrecht Dürer

The Betrothal of the Virgin

c. 1504–1505
woodcut

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

View at clevelandart.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Dürer devoted three woodcuts (1959.99.5-7) to the significant events in Mary’s youth prior to her sacred calling. His depiction of her birth recalls a contemporary birthing scene, complete with midwives, female friends, and relatives. Anna rests from her efforts in the background while an attendant bathes the infant Mary in the immediate right foreground. The religious significance of the event is made known by the presence of an angel above. In the subsequent prints Mary is presented several years later at the temple (running up the stairs), followed by her betrothal to an older widowed man named Joseph.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Albrecht Dürer

Salvator MundiSalvator MundiPortrait of a Woman, Said to Be Caritas Pirckheimer (1467–1532)Portrait of a Woman, Said to Be Caritas Pirckheimer (1467–15Virgin and Child with Saint AnneVirgin and Child with Saint AnneVirgin and ChildVirgin and ChildSaint Jerome and the LionSaint Jerome and the LionAdam and EveAdam and EveUlrich VarnbülerUlrich VarnbülerPortrait of Ulrich VarnbulerPortrait of Ulrich Varnbuler

More like this

The Betrothal of the Virgin, from "The Life of the Virgin"Albrecht Dürer — The Betrothal of the Virgin, from "The LifeThe Betrothal of the Virgin, from The Life of the VirginAlbrecht Dürer — The Betrothal of the Virgin, from The Life The Betrothal of the Virgin, from The Life of the VirginAlbrecht Dürer — The Betrothal of the Virgin, from The Life L'Adoration des RoisLudwig Krug (German, 1490–1532) — L'Adoration des RoisThe Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, from "The Life of the Virgin"Albrecht Dürer — The Presentation of the Virgin in the TemplEsther before AhasuerusLucas van Leyden (Netherlandish, 1494–about 1533) — Esther bJoachim and St. Anne Meet at the Golden Gate, from The Life of the VirginAlbrecht Dürer — Joachim and St. Anne Meet at the Golden GatThe Rejection of Joachim's Offering, from The Life of the VirginAlbrecht Dürer — The Rejection of Joachim's Offering, from TThe Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, from The Life of the VirginAlbrecht Dürer — The Presentation of the Virgin in the TemplChrist Taking Leave of His MotherDaniel Hopfer (German, c. 1470–1536) — Christ Taking Leave oThe Betrothal of the Virgin, from The Life of the Virgin (copy)Albrecht Dürer|Marcantonio Raimondi — The Betrothal of the VSolomom Adoring the IdolsHans Brosamer — Solomom Adoring the Idols