Saint Veronica between Saints Peter and Paul, from "The Little Passion" (copy)

Saint Veronica between Saints Peter and Paul, from "The Little Passion" (copy) by Albrecht Dürer is a significant example of Renaissance printmaking that underscores the enduring influence of the German master. Classified as a woodcut, this impression dates from the wide historical range of 1485-1600. Though derived from Dürer's original series, this specific copy highlights the popularity and wide distribution of the artist’s compositions across Europe. "The Little Passion" was one of the most significant cycles of religious prints produced during the period, ensuring that Dürer's depictions of biblical narratives reached a broad audience. The fact that this specific impression is a copy, produced sometime after the original design, demonstrates the immediate and lasting impact of the master's technique on subsequent printmakers.

The scene focuses on Saint Veronica, who holds the sudarium, or veil, imprinted with the face of Christ. Flanking her are the two pillars of the Church, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter is traditionally identified by the set of keys he holds, symbolizing his authority and role as the first Pope. In contrast, Paul is depicted holding the sword, referencing his zealous commitment and subsequent martyrdom. Dürer’s compositional skill allows for a detailed and monumental arrangement of figures despite the small scale of the print. This detailed early work is permanently held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a crucial reference point for the study of late 15th and 16th-century prints.