Engraved copies of The Little Passion

The series of Engraved copies of The Little Passion by the Northern Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer spans a historical period between 1485 and 1699. Classified as prints, these examples demonstrate the enduring influence of Dürer’s original woodcut and copperplate series, which revolutionized graphic arts production. Created using the exacting technique of engraving, the various editions and copies capture the dramatic narrative central to Christian iconography, detailing the final moments of Christ’s life and suffering.

Dürer's original conception detailed the Passion narrative across numerous individual scenes. These prints emphasize human figures and emotion, requiring the depiction of many primary and secondary characters, including the grieving Virgin Mary in key moments such as the Lamentation or the road to Calvary. The composition focuses intently on the anguish of the attending Men—whether disciples, soldiers, or onlookers—who fill the dramatic space. Elements of the natural world are included as symbolic components or background detail; minute birds might appear in the architecture or background foliage, reinforcing the setting and the divine narrative structure.

These specific engravings, created over a long span, represent a crucial development in the dissemination of sacred imagery, allowing broader public access to complex narratives before the age of mass reproduction. The collection of these historical prints, documenting two centuries of Dürer’s ongoing influence, is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dürer’s meticulous approach to the print medium ensured that his religious cycles remained influential long after his death, solidifying his legacy as a master of the German Renaissance.