Christ before Caiaphas, from The Engraved Passion

Christ before Caiaphas, from The Engraved Passion is a pivotal work created by the German master Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) in 1512. This remarkable piece is an engraving in black on ivory laid paper. Dürer’s unparalleled mastery of the burin is evident in the detailed crosshatching and precise line work required for the medium. Unlike traditional woodcuts, this complex technique allowed the artist to achieve subtle gradations of light and shadow, essential for depicting the dramatic, nocturnal intensity of this New Testament narrative. The classification as a print highlights Dürer’s strategic use of graphic arts to disseminate complex religious imagery widely throughout Renaissance Europe.

The scene depicts Christ standing bound and remarkably composed before the High Priest Caiaphas, who is surrounded by hostile witnesses and guards. This dramatic moment, central to the Passion cycle, is rendered with characteristic intensity, reflecting the spiritual fervor prevalent in Germany at the turn of the sixteenth century. As one of the foundational figures of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer utilized this medium to offer viewers intimate access to Biblical events.

The overall series, The Engraved Passion, cemented Dürer’s reputation across the continent as an innovator in fine art prints. These works were influential teaching tools, ensuring that the artist’s interpretations reached a vast audience and establishing standards that influenced subsequent printmakers. While today, works like this often enter the public domain, their technical importance remains undiminished. This fine impression of Christ before Caiaphas is held in the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a prime example of German graphic art from the period.