Lamentation of Christ, from The Engraved Passion

"Lamentation of Christ, from The Engraved Passion" by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a pivotal work of the Northern Renaissance, executed in 1507. This highly detailed print, rendered as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, demonstrates Dürer’s exceptional command over the graphic arts medium. As one of the most influential figures in German art history, Dürer elevated the status of the print from a reproductive craft to a recognized fine art form.

The subject depicts the solemn moment following the deposition of Christ, showing his body supported by grieving figures including the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and St. John. The composition is characterized by dramatic intensity and meticulous attention to classical proportion, reflecting the influence of Dürer’s recent travels to Italy. He utilizes complex crosshatching and precise line work, common in sophisticated engraving techniques, to render the textures of the landscape, the drapery of the mourners, and the anatomy of the deceased Christ.

This powerful visual narrative was part of a major series known as The Engraved Passion, which allowed Dürer to circulate influential religious imagery across Europe. The sheer number of prints Dürer produced ensured his widespread fame and provided access to high art for a broader audience than was possible with painting. This specific, finely preserved impression resides within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As masterpieces from this period transition into the public domain, Dürer’s prints continue to inspire study and appreciation globally.