Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer represents a complex legacy derived from one of the foundational series in Western prints. Although Dürer executed the original series of woodcuts and engravings for his Kleine Passion around 1509-1511, this specific group of works, cataloged with a broad date range of 1485-1699, reflects the immense and immediate demand for his visual narratives. This popularity resulted in numerous subsequent editions and reproductive copies spanning nearly two centuries across Europe. The medium of engraving, utilizing a precise burin to incise lines into a metal plate, allowed Dürer and subsequent copyists to achieve extraordinary graphic detail and dramatic contrast, defining the technical standards for Northern Renaissance printmaking.

The expansive series documents the entirety of the Passion narrative, from the Entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, illustrating Christ’s suffering and ultimate sacrifice. The profound focus on the figures, particularly the intense suffering and devotion of the Men depicted in the story (including Christ, apostles, and various persecutors), served as a vital vehicle for theological instruction and emotional engagement across centuries. The clarity of Dürer’s compositions ensured the longevity and wide circulation of the series, influencing generations of artists and collectors. These historical prints remain significant art historical objects today. This important collection of copies, demonstrating the lasting cultural influence of the German master, is housed within the renowned holdings of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with high-quality images often accessible in the public domain.