Agony in the Garden, from The Large Passion

Agony in the Garden, from The Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a seminal work of early Northern Renaissance printmaking, executed between 1496 and 1497. This woodcut in black on ivory laid paper belongs to Dürer’s early monumental series, The Large Passion, which chronicled the major events of Christ’s final days. The technical proficiency displayed in this image demonstrates Dürer’s rapid mastery of the demanding woodcut medium shortly after his return from his first trip to Italy, establishing him as a leading figure in the graphic arts of Germany.

The subject captures the moment in Gethsemane just before Christ’s arrest. Christ is shown kneeling in solitary prayer on the Mount of Olives, gazing upward toward an angel who appears holding the instruments of the Passion. Below him, the Apostles Peter, James, and John sleep, oblivious to the anguish of their master. The composition effectively utilizes dramatic contrasts in tone and line work. The dense crosshatching, characteristic of Dürer’s innovative engraving technique applied to the woodblock, lends the print a surprising level of depth and texture, moving the medium beyond simple outline work. In the background, soldiers led by Judas begin their ascent toward the garden, foreshadowing the impending betrayal and climax of the narrative.

Dürer’s prolific output of prints revolutionized the dissemination of religious imagery across Europe. Unlike singular paintings, reproducible prints allowed for broad public access to high-quality artistry, cementing the artist’s reputation internationally. The ability to render such complex theological scenes in the challenging woodcut medium secured Dürer’s legacy. This significant print is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.