Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer are sophisticated works executed in the demanding medium of engraving. This compilation, dated across the expansive period of 1485-1699, comprises individual prints derived from Dürer’s iconic series documenting the Passion of Christ. While Dürer’s original The Little Passion was famous for its earlier woodcut designs, the artist also produced a separate, equally influential series of engravings detailing the suffering and sacrifice of the Savior. The broad date range reflects the continuous demand for and reproduction of these powerful religious scenes long after the German Renaissance master’s death.

These prints vividly depict the emotional and physical ordeal of Christ, featuring detailed portrayals of the Men involved in the narrative, from the disciples and executioners to the Roman guards. As prints, the works were highly effective means of disseminating religious devotion and artistic innovation across Europe. Dürer’s mastery of the burin allowed him to achieve incredible detail and tonal richness, which subsequent printmakers sought to emulate. The careful craftsmanship evident in these engraved copies demonstrates the profound influence of Dürer’s compositions on generations of artists and printmakers.

This important collection of prints is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a critical reference point for studying the dissemination of early modern German art. The existence of these later copies underscores the enduring artistic and spiritual value placed upon the original designs. Because of the age and widespread availability of such source materials, classical prints such as these often enter the public domain, allowing wide accessibility for scholars and enthusiasts studying Dürer’s pivotal and lasting role in printmaking history.