Christ Taking Leave from his Mother, from "The Small Passion"

Christ Taking Leave from his Mother, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, is a significant woodcut print created between 1508 and 1509. This piece belongs to Dürer's renowned series, "The Small Passion," a cohesive collection that utilized the technical precision of the woodcut medium to depict narrative scenes with extraordinary clarity. Working at the height of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer elevated the status of the printmaker; his influential graphic works became standardized references across Europe for biblical iconography, making complex theological subjects accessible to a broad public.

The scene captures a profoundly emotional moment between Christ and the Virgin Mary, as the son bids farewell before embarking on his fateful journey toward the Passion. The composition focuses on the poignant, human interaction, emphasizing the sorrow and quiet resignation faced by both mother and son as they acknowledge the inevitability of the coming sacrifice. This particular impression, classified as a fine art print, demonstrates Dürer’s mastery of line and shadow, characteristic of his mature style. As part of the prestigious collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this work remains a central example of Renaissance graphic design and the period's religious devotion. Owing to its age and cultural significance, high-quality images of this Dürer woodcut are frequently available for scholarship and public enjoyment, often residing within the public domain.