Christ on the Mount of Olives

Christ on the Mount of Olives is a powerful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1509 and 1510. This work, executed on laid paper, exemplifies the German artist’s profound influence on the dissemination of religious imagery through graphic arts in the early 16th century.

The piece belongs to the highly productive period of Dürer’s career, spanning the years 1501 to 1550. As a central figure in the German Renaissance, Dürer utilized the woodcut medium not merely for illustration, but as a vehicle for complex artistic expression. This technique demands precision and allows for high-volume replication, making dramatic religious scenes widely accessible across Northern Europe. Dürer’s handling of the medium maximizes the expressive potential of line and shadow, creating a deep emotional resonance suitable for the scene of Christ’s suffering.

The subject depicts the Agony in the Garden (Gethsemane) just before Christ’s betrayal. While the apostles sleep heavily nearby, the central figure is shown kneeling in solitude, confronting his imminent fate. Dürer masterfully conveys the psychological weight of the moment, contrasting the dark, dense background with the spiritual anguish visible in Christ’s posture. The composition focuses intently on the isolation of the subject, highlighting the human aspect of divine sacrifice.

Dürer produced many notable prints throughout his career, cementing his reputation as the premier master of graphic arts. This specific impression is part of the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, the work is frequently studied; many subsequent editions and high-resolution digital copies of these influential prints are available in the public domain.