Engraved copies of The Little Passion

The set known as Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer represents a seminal body of work in the history of printmaking. Though Dürer produced the original cycle of engravings around 1509-1511, this specific group, classified as prints, dates to a broader period between 1485 and 1699, reflecting the sustained popularity and reproduction of the compositions throughout the early modern era. These works are masterfully executed using the demanding technique of engraving, where lines are cut directly into a metal plate, allowing for incredible precision, detail, and tonal richness.

The series depicts the central narrative of Christian theology: the Passion of Christ. Each print focuses on a specific, emotionally charged moment, utilizing complex compositions filled with dramatic tension. Dürer’s characteristic attention to human anatomy and detailed settings is evident, particularly in the representations of the figures surrounding Jesus, including stern Roman Soldiers and various anonymous Men central to the biblical events. Furthermore, the careful inclusion of rendered Animals often provides symbolic depth or adds realism to the environmental settings within the scenes.

The immense influence of Dürer’s graphic output ensured that these images served as compositional models for artists and craftsmen across Europe for centuries. As foundational examples of German Renaissance prints, this work remains a crucial study piece. Given the age and historical significance of these early works, high-quality prints and references are often available within the public domain. This significant collection of The Little Passion engravings is held within the renowned holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.