Engraved copies of The Little Passion

Engraved copies of The Little Passion by Albrecht Dürer constitute one of the most significant series of prints in Northern Renaissance art. Executed in the demanding medium of engraving, these highly detailed images demonstrate Dürer’s unparalleled ability to render complex compositions and fine detail on copper plates. Although the earliest editions of the series appeared around 1507-1513, the broad date range of 1485-1699 reflects the lasting popularity and frequent reproduction of the iconic narrative cycle throughout the following centuries.

The work chronicles the suffering and crucifixion of Christ, utilizing sophisticated cross-hatching and line work to achieve dramatic tonal variation within minuscule compositions. Dürer focuses intently on the emotional intensity of Christ’s ordeal and subsequent punishment. Throughout the series, the artist vividly depicts the confrontations between Christ and his tormentors, showing Roman soldiers armed with spears and swords carrying out their duties. The individual men involved in these harrowing scenes are meticulously rendered, illustrating the psychological weight of the narrative through the precision of the engraving technique. This ambitious series cemented Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent printmaker of his era.

This important print is held in the extensive collection of European drawings and prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a masterpiece of early graphic art and due to its age, high-resolution prints of The Little Passion are often available through the public domain, ensuring global access for scholars and enthusiasts to study Dürer’s technical genius. The enduring quality of this series confirms its status as a cornerstone of the German Renaissance graphic tradition.