Agony in the Garden, from the Engraved Passion

"Agony in the Garden, from the Engraved Passion," by After Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528), is a powerful example of early 16th-century German Renaissance prints. Executed in 1508, the work utilizes the demanding technique of engraving, rendered in rich black ink on ivory laid paper. This piece belongs to the larger sequence known as the Engraved Passion, a pivotal series that narratively charts the final, harrowing events of Christ's life.

The composition depicts the deeply human moment in which Christ kneels in the Garden of Gethsemane, accepting the cup of suffering while the Apostles Peter, James, and John sleep unaware in the foreground. Even in works created after his designs, the sophisticated command of line and shadow characteristic of Dürer is unmistakable, lending the scene both dramatic immediacy and profound theological weight. This precise graphic style allowed for the mass reproduction of religious subjects, playing a vital role in shaping visual culture across Germany and continental Europe during the Reformation period.

As a highly collectible print, the piece underscores the importance of graphic arts in the distribution of artistic and spiritual ideas. Its classification as a print confirms its historical significance and accessibility across different media. This specific impression is preserved in the extensive permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and the public a direct look at the enduring visual legacy of Dürer's influence. Today, high-quality reproductions of these historical prints are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring this iconic Renaissance imagery remains widely studied.