The artwork titled “Studies on a great ‘picture of Mary’ Angel playing” is a sketch by the acclaimed German artist Albrecht Dürer, created in 1521. Dürer, a prominent figure associated with the Northern Renaissance, showcases his masterful draftsmanship in this piece, which is part of a series of studies for a larger work focused on the Virgin Mary. This genre of the artwork is a sketch and study, reflecting the practice of meticulous observation and preparation typical of the Renaissance period.
In the sketch, there is a gathering of angels in a dynamic and somewhat crowded composition. To the left, a prominent angel is depicted playing a lute, its wings elegantly rendered to suggest both movement and repose. The attention to anatomical detail, evident in the intricate portrayal of the angels, is characteristic of Dürer’s work. Various expressions and poses can be observed among the angelic figures, conveying a sense of life and celestial harmony. The year “1521,” along with Dürer’s monogram, marks the artwork, confirming its period and authorship.
