Christ Nailed to The Cross, from "The Small Passion", edition Venice

Christ Nailed to The Cross, from "The Small Passion," edition Venice, is a pivotal print created by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1612. This woodcut, a later impression from the influential Venetian edition, belongs to one of Dürer's most widely distributed graphic sequences, "The Small Passion." Though the original blocks were cut by Dürer and his assistants between 1509 and 1511, this specific version demonstrates the enduring demand for the German master's work decades later. The precision inherent in the technique showcases Dürer’s revolutionary approach, elevating the woodcut medium from simple illustration to a powerful form of artistic expression defined by meticulous cross-hatching and dramatic tonal contrasts.

The piece centers on the intense drama of the Crucifixion narrative, depicting the moment Christ is pinned down upon the wooden structure by brutal Roman soldiers. This specific stage of the Passion focuses on the physical exertion and cruelty involved, contrasting sharply with the suffering patience of Christ. Dürer fills the composition with secondary figures, including soldiers and executioners, all contributing to a dynamic and emotionally charged scene of impending sacrifice.

As an important example of Northern Renaissance prints, the work provided lay audiences with accessible, portable devotional imagery, ensuring the rapid and broad circulation of Dürer’s artistic vision across Europe. The accessibility and reproducibility of these prints cemented Dürer’s legacy as the most significant graphic artist of his era. This impression is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a vital example of Dürer’s profound influence on art history. Today, such high-quality images from the master’s graphic oeuvre are often found in the public domain, benefiting scholars worldwide.