Christ Carrying the Cross is a powerful engraving created by the master German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in 1512. This print exemplifies the profound technical control Dürer achieved in the demanding medium of line engraving. Produced at the height of the artist’s career, the work showcases his meticulous use of line to convey deep shadow, texture, and emotional weight, elevating printmaking from a specialized craft to a fine art form capable of complex, monumental compositions.
The subject captures the arduous journey of Christ to Calvary, a traditional and deeply resonant theme within Christian art of the period. The composition is dense with figures and narrative detail, focusing intensely on the moment of profound spiritual and physical struggle endured by Christ, balanced against the brutality of the Roman soldiers and the grief of the accompanying crowds. Dürer’s ability to imbue the scene with dramatic realism and pathos made the finished print highly desirable across Europe.
As a key example of Northern Renaissance graphic arts, this piece continues to inform studies of 16th-century visual culture in Germany. This particular impression of the work is held in the prestigious collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting the institution’s focus on historically significant European prints. Given the age and enduring artistic relevance of Dürer’s engraving, high-quality prints and reproductions are frequently made available through digital public domain initiatives, ensuring that this monumental graphic achievement remains accessible to scholars and the public worldwide.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.