The Nativity

c. 1515

Albrecht Altdorfer, a master of the German Renaissance and the Danube School, carved this intricate woodcut around 1515, signing it with his distinctive 'AA' monogram in the top left corner. The scene depicts the Nativity with a cozy, crowded energy rather than serene stillness—Mary prays devoutly while Joseph leans over a fence like a curious neighbor, and a bright star bursts in the sky above a steep, tiled roof. This piece highlights the Northern Renaissance love for atmospheric detail, turning simple black lines into a rich, textured night scene.

Technique: Woodcut

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