Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer are a significant body of works classified as prints, executed meticulously in the medium of engraving. While Dürer produced the original series around 1507-1513, these specific impressions span a wide creation window from 1485 to 1699, reflecting the enduring influence and high demand for this powerful religious cycle long after the artist's death. The technical brilliance of Dürer’s design is evident in the precise linework, demonstrating the Renaissance master’s innovation in using the burin to create complex shading and depth on a small scale.

The subject matter focuses intensely on the Passion of Christ, depicting key moments from his ministry and eventual sacrifice. The narrative involves numerous detailed depictions of Men interacting in dramatic and psychologically charged scenes. Episodes like the Last Supper or the Supper at Emmaus naturally integrate the theme of Dining into the sacred chronology, while other scenes focus on the betrayals and trials leading to the Crucifixion. Dürer’s approach transformed the visual standards for religious narratives in the early 16th century, making these prints immensely influential across Europe.

These important examples are preserved within the comprehensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The extended dating confirms that these specific prints likely include posthumous editions or copies made by workshops and followers seeking to reproduce the famous designs. Given their age and historical significance, the original designs underlying these masterworks are often available today in the public domain, granting students and enthusiasts access to study the profound narrative and technical achievements of Dürer’s artistic legacy.