Christus als Man van Smarten, zittend

"Christus als Man van Smarten, zittend" by Albrecht Dürer, dating from 1515, is a profound example of German Renaissance printmaking. Executed on paper, this work demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled skill in handling line and shadow, essential elements for the creation of enduring prints. The artwork depicts Christ as the Man of Sorrows (Vir dolorum) following his flagellation, seated and contemplating his sacrifice. He is crowned with thorns, and the signs of physical suffering are clearly visible on his face and body.

The depiction of this sorrowful Christ figure was intensely popular in 16th-century Germany, serving as a powerful focal point for private piety and contemplation. Dürer focuses intently on the emotional weight of the moment, employing meticulous hatching and cross-hatching to create volume and profound psychological depth. This approach distinguishes the artist's religious subjects and cemented his reputation across Europe.

The high technical precision achieved in the production of Christus als Man van Smarten, zittend elevated Dürer’s status beyond a mere craftsman, establishing him as an intellectual artist and a master engraver of the Northern Renaissance. The work’s enduring artistic and cultural significance ensures its study by historians today. This important print is preserved in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum. Due to the age of the original, many high-resolution images of Dürer's influential prints are now available through public domain resources, enabling wide access to this pivotal moment in German art history.