Entombment

Entombment by Albrecht Dürer is a definitive example of Northern Renaissance graphic art, executed as an exacting engraving sometime within the extensive period of 1485-1600. Dürer, a pioneer in the print medium, utilized intaglio techniques to achieve deep tonal contrasts and remarkable line work, making these works highly influential and sought after across Europe. This specific impression is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met).

The work captures the critical moment of Christ’s burial, the culmination of the Passion narrative and a central theme for devotional imagery. The scene is saturated with profound sadness, exemplified by the anguished figures surrounding the sarcophagus. The profound grief of the Virgin Mary, often supported by others, is central to the emotional impact of the composition, fulfilling the narrative weight of the Entombment.

This type of religious print allowed Dürer to showcase his mastery over form and detail, integrating technical sophistication with deep emotional realism characteristic of the German Renaissance. The complexity and emotional depth confirm Dürer’s status as one of history's most important graphic artists, establishing standards for subsequent generations of printmakers. Its wide distribution as a print ensured Dürer’s artistic reputation was recognized internationally long before the rise of public domain collections.