Ecce Homo

The powerful composition of Ecce Homo was executed by the artist known only as Master IS (German, active c. 1534) following a design originally conceived by the foundational Northern Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528). This specific piece is a meticulous engraving executed on ivory laid paper, showcasing the remarkable detail achievable in the tradition of German fine prints. Executed sometime between 1501 and 1550, this work demonstrates the crucial role reproductive engravings played in spreading Dürer's revolutionary iconography across sixteenth-century Germany and Europe.

The subject, Ecce Homo ("Behold the Man"), depicts the moment Pontius Pilate presents the scourged Christ, wearing the crown of thorns, to the jeering populace. The anonymous engraver, IS, skillfully translates Dürer's original graphic power into this reduced, highly portable format. The precision required for this style of printmaking underscores the technical mastery prevalent in the period. The enduring influence of Dürer ensured that his images remained highly valuable, even when rendered by other hands decades after the original designs were established.

Classified as a print from the German cultural sphere, this piece resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The longevity and widespread availability of these historical prints, many of which are now considered to be in the public domain, continue to facilitate ongoing scholarly study and appreciation of Master IS's skillful interpretation of Dürer's profound religious compositions.