Christ on the Mount of Olives, from "The Passion"

Christ on the Mount of Olives, from "The Passion" is a pivotal early work by Albrecht Dürer, executed in 1508. This Northern Renaissance masterwork is a powerful example of Dürer's revolutionary skill in engraving, showcasing the precision and expressive depth achievable through the burin. As a print, the piece was designed for wide dissemination, contributing significantly to Dürer’s international reputation as a graphic artist.

The scene captures Christ in profound spiritual agony shortly before his betrayal. He kneels on a rocky incline on the Mount of Olives, visibly struggling with his impending fate, while his disciples-the sleeping Men-are clustered in the immediate foreground, unaware of the spiritual drama unfolding. Above the central figure of Christ, a small Angel appears, presenting a representation of the Cross, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice of the Passion that Christ is about to accept. Dürer’s meticulous handling of the nocturnal setting emphasizes the tension and isolation of the moment through dramatic contrasts between deep shadow and finely rendered linear detail.

This engraving belongs to Dürer's wider body of graphic work focused on the narrative of the Passion, a central and emotionally resonant theme in early 16th-century German art. Such highly detailed prints were instrumental in disseminating religious imagery and solidifying Dürer's influence across Europe. This specific impression is housed within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Reflecting its historical importance, high-resolution images and prints of this key work are frequently made available through institutional and public domain collections worldwide.