Crucifixion, from "The Small Woodcut Passion"

Crucifixion, from "The Small Woodcut Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, created between 1509 and 1510, is a masterful example of printmaking from the German Renaissance. This specific impression is a hand-colored woodcut, demonstrating the incredible versatility and detail Dürer achieved in the demanding medium. The work belongs to a renowned series of thirty-six blocks depicting the life and Passion of Christ, which became exceptionally influential across Europe due to its accessibility and potent emotional intensity.

In the composition, Dürer focuses intently on the somber moment of the Crucifixion. The central figure of Christ dominates the vertical plane of the Cross, flanked by the grieving figures of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist. Unlike his earlier, often more dense and chaotic depictions, this particular Crucifixion print is characterized by a stark immediacy, allowing the viewer's eye to settle on the pathos of the scene. Although the artist titled the series "Small," Dürer packed remarkable detail into the limited space, meticulously rendering the emotional reactions of the small crowd gathered at the base of the Cross. This work illustrates Dürer's profound understanding of human anatomy and dramatic staging, hallmarks of his mature graphic style.

As one of the most significant devotional print cycles of the sixteenth century, this specific impression of the woodcut resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The print medium was crucial for disseminating the artistic vision of masters like Dürer, allowing his complex theological interpretations to reach a broad audience far beyond the limits of private patronage. Today, various prints from 'The Small Woodcut Passion' are highly sought after, with many copies now digitized and available through public domain sources, underscoring the enduring legacy of Dürer's graphic achievements.