The artwork “Crescent Madonna” was created by Albrecht Dürer in 1514 and is a striking example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This religious painting belongs to the collection of the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin in Berlin, Germany. Dürer was renowned for his intricate woodcuts, engravings, and paintings that significantly influenced art in Europe.
In the artwork “Crescent Madonna,” we see a delicately penned image of Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus. Mary is seated within a crescent moon, an iconographic symbol often associated with the Immaculate Conception. Her gentle and serene expression conveys a sense of divine tranquility, and her posture, gently cradling Jesus, underscores her role as a nurturing mother. The detailed stroke work in the drapery of her garments gives texture and depth to the drawing, while the rays of light surrounding her figure emphasize her sanctity and the celestial nature of the scene. The monogram “AD” of Albrecht Dürer is visible at the bottom of the composition, and the year “1514” is inscribed above, marking the time of the artwork’s creation.