Christ before Caiaphas, from "The Small Passion"

Christ before Caiaphas, from "The Small Passion" is a profoundly influential print created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer between 1508 and 1509. This detailed woodcut is part of a monumental series illustrating the Passion narrative, designed for wide distribution across Europe. Dürer’s technique revolutionized the woodcut medium, showcasing an unprecedented level of tonal complexity and expressive detail previously associated only with engraving.

The scene depicts the climactic moment where Christ stands accused before the High Priest Caiaphas. The composition is highly dramatic, emphasizing the isolation of Christ amidst a chaotic crowd of tormentors. Surrounding the central figures are various men, including armored soldiers whose heavy forms dominate the background space. These military figures contrast sharply with the serene, suffering demeanor of Christ. The foreground also features incidental details, such as a grouping of barking dogs, which Dürer utilized to heighten the sense of disorder and earthly hostility present in the judicial proceeding.

This piece, like others in "The Small Passion," cemented Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his era. The clarity of the lines and the emotional intensity ensured these prints were highly accessible and widely influential throughout the German Renaissance. As a significant example of Northern European woodcut production, the original artwork is housed in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and historical importance, high-quality images and prints of this artwork often fall within the public domain, allowing broad study of Dürer's graphic mastery.