Christ Before Herod, from "The Small Passion"

Christ Before Herod, from The Small Passion, is an iconic woodcut created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer in 1509. This dramatic scene is one of 36 influential prints comprising The Small Passion series, a seminal body of work that masterfully demonstrated the expressive potential of printmaking for mass distribution and private devotional use throughout the sixteenth century.

The composition focuses intently on the judicial encounter between Christ and King Herod, one of the central events narrated in the Gospel of Luke. Dürer’s technical skill with the woodcut medium is immediately apparent in the detailed architectural setting and the precise linework that defines the figures. The contrast of light and shadow intensifies the psychological drama between the principal men: Herod, depicted as a powerful, skeptical ruler seated high upon his throne, demands a sign, while Christ stands quietly before him, emphasizing spiritual authority over temporal power. The composition powerfully captures the moment of silent confrontation before Herod ultimately dismisses the captive.

Executed shortly after Dürer’s return from his second journey to Italy, this print reflects his mature style, blending Northern European complexity with the structural clarity learned from the Italian Renaissance masters. The Small Passion series was immensely popular, solidifying Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his era. This original impression is preserved in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), where it functions as a critical example of Renaissance prints. As a sixteenth-century artwork, the image is now classified within the public domain, ensuring its accessibility for academic study and public appreciation worldwide.