Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer represent a pivotal body of work in the history of German Renaissance prints. Executed primarily through the demanding technique of engraving, this classification of art allows for exceptional detail and potential for mass reproduction. Although Dürer's original series was completed circa 1509-1511, this collection of copies, dating across the broad period of 1485-1699, underscores the enduring popularity and profound influence of Dürer's graphic oeuvre throughout subsequent centuries of European art production.

The series chronicles the final moments of Christ’s life, encompassing various significant episodes, from moments of quiet devotion and service, such as Christ Washing the feet of his disciples, to dramatic confrontations involving Roman Soldiers and the public outcry of various Men and Women. Dürer mastered the copperplate medium, rendering complex narratives and figures with precision. The clarity of line and intense dramatic staging inherent in Dürer’s original designs made these prints essential models for other artists and copyists across the continent. The replication of The Little Passion confirms its status as a canonical representation of devotional art during the Reformation era.

This important series of engraved prints, including these compelling copies, is housed within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As foundational works of the German Renaissance, these graphic images have long been widely studied and copied due to their technical skill and narrative intensity. Due to the historical distribution and widespread circulation of these works, many of Dürer's highly influential prints are now accessible for scholarly review and appreciation through the public domain.