Dürer's first visit to Italy in 1494 largely influenced his subsequent compositions and repertoire. A prime example of this delicate, Italianate handling of the woodcut medium is the Life of the Virgin series, which he started in 1502. This print, probably created after Dürer's second journey to Veneto, Italy in 1507, depicts Christ's heartfelt parting from his mother, Mary, a popular subject in Christian art. It formed the 16th of 19 leaves which were sold separately before the completion of the series in 1511. The scene illustrates the moment of Christ leaving his parents' house to preach in Jerusalem (possibly the walled city seen in the background). As he bids farewell to his mother he blesses her, knowing he is about to embark upon his final journey, which will lead to his Passion and death. Mary's sorrow is emphasised by the dynamic handling of her robe and her dramatic posture as she falls on her knees, hands clasped in grief, to which the upright figure of the resolute Christ provides a counterpoint.