Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, from The Small Woodcut Passion

Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, from The Small Woodcut Passion is a pivotal image created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 between 1508 and 1509. This striking composition is executed as a woodcut in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's masterful command of the graphic medium. The print belongs to Dürer’s second major cycle of printed Passion narratives, collectively known as The Small Woodcut Passion, a series designed specifically for intimate, devotional contemplation rather than the monumental scale of his earlier cycles. The complete set, comprising thirty-six sheets plus a title page, reinforced Dürer’s reputation across Germany and Europe as the foremost master of Renaissance printmaking.

The scene depicts the emotionally charged moment of Christ’s farewell to the Virgin Mary before the commencement of his public ministry and eventual suffering. Despite the inherent limitations of the woodcut technique, Dürer achieves remarkable depth and textural variation. He utilizes precise, complex cross-hatching to define shadow and volume, lending the figures a distinct sculptural presence that was characteristic of the German Renaissance. This method allowed the artist to convey intense sorrow and resignation on the faces of the figures, elevating the print medium beyond simple outline work.

The relatively small, dense format of this piece made these prints highly desirable and accessible, contributing significantly to their circulation within the public domain. The creation of the work falls during Dürer's mature period, cementing his transformation of printmaking from a craft into an elevated art form. Through precise draftsmanship and powerful emotional intensity, Dürer successfully translated complex theological narratives into accessible visual language for the lay viewer. This significant example of German artistry is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.