Christus als Man van Smarten, bespot door een soldaat

"Christus als Man van Smarten, bespot door een soldaat" by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful example of German Renaissance printmaking, dating from 1511. Created on paper, this work showcases the artist’s unparalleled command of the graphic medium, utilizing precise line work and deep shadow to heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. The classification as a print underscores the transformative role Dürer played in disseminating religious imagery widely, making profound theological subjects accessible to a broad audience during the early 16th century.

The subject matter centers on the Man of Sorrows, depicting Christ following the flagellation but prior to the crucifixion. The composition emphasizes Christ’s profound suffering, crowned with thorns and stripped, while a sneering soldier leans in to mock him. Dürer’s treatment of the figure ensures the viewer focuses intensely on the pathos of the moment, creating a dramatic confrontation between divine endurance and human cruelty. This focus on intense devotional suffering was characteristic of Northern European piety during the period.

This influential work, which demonstrates the maturity of Dürer’s draftsmanship, remains a vital artifact for understanding the religious and artistic environment of Renaissance Germany. The piece resides in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum. Like many of Dürer's masterpieces, the widespread influence and age of these seminal prints mean that high-resolution reproductions of this image often fall into the public domain, ensuring its continued study by scholars worldwide.