Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, from "The Small Passion"

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, is a crucial component of the artist’s celebrated series documenting the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Executed between 1508 and 1509, this sophisticated woodcut showcases Dürer’s revolutionary approach to printmaking during the German Renaissance. While the artist is often associated with his complex copperplate engravings, Dürer demonstrated equal mastery in the medium of the woodcut, achieving remarkable detail and atmospheric depth within the challenging limitations of the block.

The composition vividly captures the moment of Christ’s solemn arrival in Jerusalem. The central figure of Christ, mounted humbly upon a donkey, is shown entering the city gates, surrounded by a celebratory throng of welcoming men. Dürer expertly contrasts the solemnity of the event with the energetic, crowded environment. The foreground is full of visual action, featuring dynamic poses among the populace and the inclusion of powerful horses accompanying the procession. These elements emphasize the narrative’s historical importance and the public spectacle of the entry. The careful rendering of architectural features and the sense of deep space underscore Dürer’s dedication to perspective, a hallmark of Renaissance art.

The complete “Small Passion” series was crucial for disseminating Dürer’s spiritual and technical influence across Europe. This particular impression of Christ's Entry into Jerusalem exemplifies Dürer’s ability to imbue small-scale prints with monumental dramatic tension. This pivotal piece of early 16th century European prints, which is now generally considered within the public domain, resides within the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.