Joachim and the Angel. Woodcut. 1504. M. 190 I. B. 78. Wm.: High Crown (M. 20). 29,5:20,8 cm.

Second woodcut from The Life of the Virgin. Proof impression before the text and the edition of 1511.

Their offer having been rejected at the temple, Joachim and Anna go their separate ways, Anna to her house in town and Joachim to the shepherds and the cattle on his fields. Separately, an angel appears to each of them: Joachim falls on his knees before the heavenly appearance. Two astonished shepherds witness the miracle. Above the kneeling Joachim, DЯrer depicts a dried up tree with new shoots coming from its trunk, as a sign of the conception of the already elder Anna.

The series "Life of the Virgin" consists of a title and 19 woodcuts. With the exception of two, all woodblocks were created in the years after 1503. Two woodcuts and the title he did in 1510 after his second journey to Italy. Together with the "Apocalypse" and the "Large Passion", the "Life of the Virgin" appeared as a book in 1511 in Nuremberg. The Latin text is by the priest Chelidonius. DЯrer printed it on the verso of his woodcuts.

Very beautiful and clear impression of this rare proof impression before text.