Colophon, from the Large Passion

Colophon, from the Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a crucial example of early 16th-century German book production. Dated 1511, this work concludes Dürer’s monumental book project, the Large Passion series, which originally consisted of eleven transformative woodcuts detailing the suffering of Christ. This specific piece, classified as a print, utilizes letterpress in black on ivory laid paper.

The function of a colophon is textual, providing essential publication information, such as the date, printer, and often a dedication, marking the formal completion of the religious narrative. The use of letterpress indicates a clear distinction between this informational page and the preceding detailed illustrations. Dürer’s role as both illustrator and self-publisher in Nuremberg, Germany, was groundbreaking, establishing a new model for the marketing of fine art during the Northern Renaissance. The attention given to the typographic arrangement on the laid paper reflects the sophisticated printing standards achieved in Germany at this time.

This work showcases the mastery of Dürer not only as a draughtsman but as an innovative editor and printmaker. Unlike earlier editions of his series which were sometimes sold as unbound sheets, the 1511 edition combined the images with the letterpress text, establishing a cohesive artistic statement intended for wide distribution. Today, this example of historical German prints is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The enduring artistic and religious significance of the Large Passion means that high-quality reproductions of these pieces are frequently accessible through public domain collections.