Ecce Homo, from The Engraved Passion

Ecce Homo, from The Engraved Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a highly refined example of Northern Renaissance printmaking executed in 1512. This particular piece is an engraving rendered precisely in black ink upon ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's unparalleled technical mastery of the burin. As a central scene in Christ’s narrative, this work depicts Christ presented to the people by Pontius Pilate, a moment characterized by dramatic contrast between the stoic, suffering figure and the jeering, often grotesque, crowd. Dürer's precision in rendering texture, shadow, and profound emotional depth established him as the defining figure of the German graphic arts tradition during a period of massive social and religious change.

Created in Germany during the height of the Reformation era, this powerful engraving belongs to Dürer's seminal series, The Engraved Passion, which he completed primarily between 1507 and 1513. Unlike the larger, more dramatic woodcut series, this set of prints emphasized technical nuance and detailed iconography, intended for a more discerning collector or scholarly audience. Dürer employed dense cross-hatching techniques to achieve rich, profound tonal variation, subtly drawing the viewer's attention towards the central, tragic figure of Ecce Homo. Today, this exemplary print is held in the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since Dürer passed away nearly 500 years ago, many of his influential prints, including examples from this series, are widely considered part of the public domain, allowing for their continued study and appreciation globally.