The Ascension from a set of The Passion

The Ascension from a set of The Passion by Albrecht Dürer is a monumental European textile created in 1592. This piece is executed in wool, silk, and shimmering metal thread, demonstrating a high degree of technical skill evidenced by its precise structure of 20 warp threads per inch (8 per cm.). The intricate use of materials distinguishes this high-quality weaving from contemporary painted canvases.

The composition depicts the moment of Christ’s ascent into the heavens, where he disappears into the clouds while surrounded by his Apostles, along with other men and women who witness the miracle. Although produced decades after the German Renaissance master's death, the design is based directly on one of Dürer’s influential graphic print cycles, likely his famous engravings or woodcuts dedicated to The Passion. This practice of translating Dürer’s popular designs into elaborate, costly textiles demonstrates his enduring artistic reach across various mediums and subsequent generations.

As one element of a larger set focusing on the final days of Christ, this work serves as an important document of Late Renaissance religious art adapted for noble or church display. The clarity and detail achieved in the weaving allow the complex scene to translate effectively from the original print design. Today, thanks to the widespread availability of Dürer's foundational graphic works, the designs upon which this textile is based are frequently reproduced in public domain prints. This intricate weaving is currently held within the expansive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.