Ecce Homo, from "The Small Passion"

Ecce Homo, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, dating to 1509, is a masterwork of Northern Renaissance graphic art. This specific print is executed in the woodcut medium, a technique Dürer utilized to great effect throughout his career. It forms part of the thirty-seven block series collectively known as The Small Passion (1509-1511), which visually recounts the suffering and resurrection of Christ. The publication of such print series allowed Dürer to disseminate his interpretations of key biblical scenes to a broad European audience.

The composition depicts Christ, having been scourged, being presented to the agitated populace, fulfilling the biblical narrative implied by the title, Ecce Homo ("Behold the Man"). Dürer’s detailed carving captures the moment of maximum tension, contrasting Christ’s vulnerability with the aggressive crowd. Christ, frail yet dignified, is shown surrounded by powerful and indifferent men, including Roman soldiers armed with prominent weapons. The masterful use of line inherent in the woodcut technique allows Dürer to render complex textures and deep shadows, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between the central figure and the harsh military figures around him.

This piece exemplifies the technical sophistication achieved in German prints during the early 16th century. The wide distribution afforded by high-quality prints made Dürer one of the most influential artists of his era, elevating the status of the print medium. This historic woodcut is preserved today within the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As reproductions of this iconic work are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, Dürer’s meticulous representation of the Passion narrative continues to reach wide audiences globally.