Artist: Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528), after.
Engraver: Marcantonio Raimondi (Italian, 1470/1482–1527/1534).
Title: The Visitation.
Inscriptions: Engraved monogram tablet with the letters "AD" in the lower foreground. An engraved numeral "8" appears adjacent to the monogram, indicating the print's position within the series The Life of the Virgin. Old manuscript annotation in brown ink verso.
Dimensions: Plate mark approximately 11 13/16" × 8 1/4". Chain lines approximately 1 1/8" apart. Sheet 12 5/8" × 9 1/4".
Date: Later impression, probably 18th or 19th century.
Materials and Techniques: Engraving on laid paper, laid down on a secondary sheet of laid paper.
Watermark: Partial circular watermark visible in transmitted light. The support sheet appears to bear a similar watermark, making interpretation difficult. The watermark remains unidentified.
Condition: The sheet has been laid down on a secondary support sheet. A horizontal fold is visible across the center and appears to correspond to a fold or crease in both the original sheet and the support. Small area of loss in the support sheet exposing the verso of the original print. The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Catalog Raisonné: Bartsch / Le Peintre graveur (XIV.406.628).
Part of: The Life of the Virgin.
Museums, Libraries and Auctions: The British Museum, museum numbers H,3.169 (impression) and 1860,0414.471 (modern impression).
Art Movements, Periods and Schools: Italian School XVI C.
Note: This engraving reproduces Dürer's celebrated woodcut The Visitation from The Life of the Virgin. Marcantonio Raimondi translated the composition into the engraved medium, preserving the principal elements of Dürer's design while adapting the image to the language of line engraving.
Acknowledgement: This entry incorporates text from online sources and the catalog entry of a similar item in the British Museum collection.