Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer represents a pivotal series in Northern Renaissance printmaking, detailing the dramatic final days of Christ. Executed in the medium of engraving, these prints date across a broad spectrum from 1485 to 1699, indicating the inclusion of original plates created by Dürer alongside later reproductive examples spanning decades of production. This comprehensive collection resides within the renowned holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dürer’s mastery of the burin allowed him to elevate the status of the graphic arts, creating prints that achieved remarkable detail and tonal variation equivalent to major panel paintings. The series, originally executed in the early 16th century, focuses sequentially on the Passion narrative. Individual scenes often draw focus through stark contrasts, such as depictions of the Agony in the Garden where the central subject of Christ is isolated from the apostles, sometimes represented as sleeping soldiers, oblivious to the divine suffering unfolding nearby. The precision in handling human figures and the expressive use of cross-hatching demonstrate why Dürer was considered the undisputed master of this demanding technique.

The availability of numerous engraved copies, produced well over a century after Dürer’s death, attests to the enduring demand and widespread influence of his original designs. Because prints were inherently reproducible and highly portable, they acted as the primary vehicle for transmitting his theological and artistic interpretations throughout Europe. The widespread proliferation of these prints allowed a broad audience access to Dürer’s visual commentary. Today, many high-resolution images of these historic prints are available for study and reference through public domain resources, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in graphic arts history.