The Annunciation, from "The Small Passion"

The Annunciation, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, is a significant print created in 1510. This masterful woodcut belongs to Dürer’s influential series known as "The Small Passion," a collection of thirty-six intimate images depicting the life and sacrifice of Christ. Unlike the artist’s earlier, monumental print series, this set was designed on a small, manageable scale, making it highly suitable for mass circulation and personal devotional use throughout early 16th-century Europe.

The scene focuses intently on the moment the Archangel Gabriel appears before the Virgin Mary to announce the Immaculate Conception. Dürer uses the demanding woodcut medium with exceptional precision, achieving a density of line and texture that conveys deep shadows and three-dimensional forms, skills typically associated with engraving rather than wood carving. The work exemplifies the German Renaissance master's ability to imbue traditional Christian subjects, such as the Annunciation, with both profound psychological focus and meticulous naturalistic detail. The tight composition draws the viewer into the sacred moment occurring within a humble, domestic interior, a common characteristic of Northern European Renaissance prints.

The powerful narrative and clarity of Dürer’s visual theology ensured the widespread popular appeal of these religious prints. The commercial success of the series cemented Dürer’s standing as the most influential graphic artist of his era. This specific impression is proudly housed within the expansive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the historical and artistic significance of the work, high-quality prints and images of this enduring masterpiece are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access for study and appreciation.