Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer is an influential series of devotional prints documenting the key stages of Christ's final suffering. Executed in the challenging medium of engraving, these precise, small-scale works allowed the German Renaissance master to reach a broad audience, cementing his reputation across Europe. The wide dating range of 1485-1699 often encompasses later, authorized copies and impressions, highlighting the lasting demand for Dürer’s narrative cycles long after their initial creation.

Dürer’s mastery of line work enabled him to pack immense drama and human emotion into each scene. The composition focuses intimately on the central figure of Jesus, whose profound suffering forms the dramatic core of the series. Surrounding figures, including the various men and women observing or participating in the events, are rendered with psychological depth, underscoring the narrative’s theological weight.

As a pioneer of printmaking, Dürer transformed the dissemination of religious art, making complex visual theology accessible. The technical skill evidenced in these detailed prints demonstrates why Dürer is celebrated as a giant of the Northern Renaissance graphic arts. This selection of prints is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, serving as a critical example of late medieval and early modern devotional practice. Because of their age and cultural importance, high-quality images of many of these prints have transitioned into the public domain, ensuring continued study and appreciation globally.