Man of Sorrows with Hands Bound

The Man of Sorrows with Hands Bound, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512, is a profound example of the artist's experimentation with the challenging drypoint technique. Drypoint involves scratching directly into a copper plate with a sharp tool, creating a rich burr that holds ink, lending the resulting impression a distinctive, velvety line. This particular medium allows Dürer to achieve intense shadow and texture, perfectly suited to the somber theme.

The work belongs to the venerable tradition of the Man of Sorrows iconography, presenting Christ after his torment but before the Resurrection. Stripped bare, the figure bears the marks of the flagellation and the crown of thorns. The focus is placed entirely on the depiction of profound sadness and suffering. The careful rendering of the bound hands beneath the chest and the weary turn of the head highlight the physical indignity and emotional weight of the Passion. Unlike an engraving, which allows for mass production of consistent images, drypoint plates wear quickly; thus, early impressions like this one are highly valued for their rich, undiminished quality.

Dürer produced some of his most significant graphic prints during this period, circulating devotional imagery throughout the German Renaissance world. This piece powerfully communicates the humanity of Christ, prompting an immediate emotional connection with the viewer. The work stands as a testament to the master’s technical skill and resides today in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a key piece of early 16th-century devotional art, the print is often studied and reproductions are widely available through various public domain resources.