Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful collection showcasing the profound influence of the German Renaissance master’s narrative skill and technical virtuosity in the print medium. Although Dürer first issued the corresponding woodcut series, the intricate fidelity of these subsequent engravings-produced across the lengthy period between 1485 and 1699-testifies to the enduring importance of his compositional designs. The precise use of the burin, the primary tool in engraving, allows for a density of detail and subtlety in modeling figures that distinguish these prints within Dürer’s prolific output.

The series is a visual contemplation of the final days and sacrifice of Christ. Each image presents dramatic biblical scenes, integrating the figures of Christ and various attendant men into spiritually charged compositions. Dürer's skillful depiction of human emotion and dramatic perspective established new standards for religious prints distributed throughout Europe. These small-scale works were primarily intended as portable devotional objects, allowing the owner to follow the sequence of the Passion narrative intimately.

Dürer’s contribution was essential to legitimizing prints as an artistic form, allowing his unique vision to circulate far wider than traditional paintings. The sheer number of copies produced over centuries underlines the commercial success and pervasive cultural impact of The Little Passion. This specific selection of historical prints is preserved in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of their historical age, many such early modern prints are now considered public domain, ensuring continued accessibility and study for enthusiasts of Renaissance graphic arts.