Resurrection, from The Engraved Passion

Resurrection, from The Engraved Passion is a highly significant print created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 in 1512. This masterful engraving, rendered meticulously in black ink on ivory laid paper, serves as a key component of Dürer's celebrated small format series dedicated to the suffering and triumph of Christ. Executed during the peak of the German Renaissance, the work exemplifies the artist’s unparalleled technical skill in printmaking, elevating the medium of engraving to the level of high art.

The scene depicts the climactic moment of Christ’s glorious ascent from the tomb, surrounded by startled Roman guards overcome by sleep or shock. Dürer’s complex iconography emphasizes the divine power of the event, contrasting the luminous, ascending figure of Christ with the dark, detailed armor of the soldiers below. The composition is contained yet dramatic, showcasing the artist’s ability to render complex forms and textures within a small format.

The success of the image rests heavily on Dürer’s precise linear execution, characteristic of his finest prints. The use of dense, controlled cross-hatching allows for subtle variations in texture and light saturation, giving the scene a profound sense of three-dimensional depth rarely seen in previous intaglio works from Germany. This series, The Engraved Passion, was instrumental in establishing the artist's international reputation, ensuring the wide dissemination of his religious narratives. This superb impression of the Resurrection is permanently housed in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because of its historical age and importance, this work is frequently shared as part of the public domain, ensuring continued study and appreciation of these seminal Renaissance prints.