Man of Sorrows by the Column, frontispiece from The Engraved Passion,

Man of Sorrows by the Column, frontispiece from The Engraved Passion, is a powerful print created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528. Dating to 1509, this masterful engraving was executed in black on ivory laid paper, showcasing Dürer’s unparalleled technical skill in handling line and shadow. The image was specifically designed to serve as the introductory piece, or frontispiece, for Dürer’s influential series known as The Engraved Passion, a crucial cycle illustrating the final days of Christ.

This intense focus on Christ's suffering, known iconographically as the Man of Sorrows, reflects the profound religious piety prevalent across Germany during the early 16th century. The subject depicts Christ crowned with thorns, exhibiting the wounds of his flagellation while resting against the column of scourging. Unlike typical narrative scenes, this devotional work forces the viewer into immediate confrontation with the physical pain endured by the savior.

As a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer fundamentally elevated the status of the print medium from mere reproductive illustration to an expressive fine art form. His detailed approach to the human body and drapery demonstrates the successful integration of Italian Renaissance principles into the thriving visual culture of Germany. Because of the reproducible nature of prints, many impressions of this celebrated image were circulated widely, making Dürer’s compositions highly accessible throughout Europe. This specific impression, classified as a Print, resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to the age and significance of the original work, high-quality renderings of Dürer's impactful compositions are frequently available within the public domain.