Christ Carrying the Cross from a set of "The Passion"

Christ Carrying the Cross from a set of "The Passion," adapted after Albrecht Dürer, is a significant textile piece dating to 1598. This complex work, executed in wool, silk, and metal thread, is technically refined, featuring a high thread count of 20 warp threads per inch (8 per cm). The medium suggests that this is a tapestry or a similarly woven panel, likely created in Northern Europe during the late Renaissance or early Baroque period, based on the enduring influence of German printmaking.

The dramatic scene centers on Christ, burdened by the heavy cross, surrounded by a distressed populace of men and women. While Dürer’s original compositions—often circulated widely as prints—focused heavily on the emotional intensity of the narrative, this textile translation preserves the powerful emotional and physical strain of the procession. The inclusion of metal thread adds a subtle reflectivity and richness, emphasizing the sacred and high-status nature of the commission. Although the textile technique is inherently different from the woodcuts or engravings Dürer is famous for, the woven piece maintains the intricate detail and powerful draftsmanship characteristic of the artist.

As part of a larger cycle depicting The Passion, the work offers insight into devotional practices and the consumption of fine art in the 16th century. Master printmakers like Dürer provided templates that were subsequently translated into various media across Europe. This large-scale woven interpretation is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a fascinating intersection between graphic arts and textile manufacturing.