Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer is a significant series of prints originating during the late 15th through the 17th centuries. This highly influential work utilizes the precise technique of engraving, showcasing Dürer’s unparalleled ability to render complex compositions, psychological depth, and extremely fine detail onto copper plates. Although the original The Little Passion series dates to the early 16th century, the wide production dates (1485-1699) reflect the ongoing popularity and subsequent editions or copies made throughout the early modern period.

The central focus of the narrative is the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, depicting scenes leading up to and including the Crucifixion. The individual prints vividly portray moments of intense drama, often featuring Roman soldiers equipped with various weapons, carrying out the events leading to the final scene on the Cross. These devotional prints were extremely influential in disseminating religious imagery across Europe. The work is notable for its small scale, which allowed collectors and the general public access to high-quality prints by the German master Dürer, a pioneer in utilizing printmaking for mass circulation.

As essential examples of Northern Renaissance graphic art, these copies demonstrate the lasting legacy of the artist’s mastery. Today, many impressions from Dürer’s oeuvre are available in the public domain, allowing researchers and enthusiasts globally to study the development of the engraving technique. This specific set of engravings is classified among the extensive holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, forming an important part of the institution’s collection of early European prints.