The Circumcision

c. 1504/1505

Albrecht Dürer

Associated Names
Albrecht Dürer

Artist, German, 1471 - 1528

This is a drawing of an interior scene with detailed architectural elements and figures gathered closely together. The image shows an arched ceiling with intricately carved foliage designs above a group of figures dressed in cloaks and robes. The figures are huddled around a central point. There are various poses and expressions among them, and they appear engaged. The ambiance suggests a solemn gathering. The attire and architectural style hint at a historical period, possibly medieval or early Renaissance. The sketch includes skillful line work and shading that adds depth and complexity to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to image): 29.5 × 21 cm (11 5/8 × 8 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3585

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Meder, no. 198

  • Series Title

    The Life of the Virgin

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 11, repro.

2014

  • Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, 2014-2015.

Bibliography

1932

  • Meder, Joseph. Dürer-Katalog; ein Handbuch über Albrecht Dürers Stiche, Radierungen, Holzschnitte, deren Zustände, Ausgaben und Wasserzeichen. Vienna: Verlag Gilhofer und Ranschburg, 1932. Reprint. New York: Da Capo Press, 1971.

2001

  • Schoch, Rainer, Mattihas Mende, and Anna Scherbaum. Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk. Munich, 2001: vol. 2: no. 176.

Wikidata ID

Q18338568

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