The Ascension, from "The Small Passion"

"The Ascension, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1510, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Executed as a woodcut, this small-scale work belongs to Dürer's ambitious series, which revolutionized the status of the print medium. Dürer successfully transformed the woodcut from merely a reproductive tool into a sophisticated vehicle for artistic expression, rivaling the detailed quality previously restricted to engraving or painting.

This piece depicts the biblical scene of Christ's departure, focusing intimately on the terrestrial witnesses. Only Christ’s lower legs and feet are visible as he ascends, leaving the gathered Apostles-a powerful group of men-gazing skyward in reactions ranging from shock to deep reverence. Dürer’s genius lies in his ability to imbue the often-difficult woodcut medium with incredible detail. Close examination reveals precise hatching and cross-hatching used to model the volume of the figures’ robes and create depth within the surrounding landscape. The effective contrast of light and shadow gives the scene a dramatic intensity characteristic of the German Renaissance.

The entire Small Passion series proved immensely successful and highly influential across Europe, dramatically increasing the availability of high-quality religious art to a broader public audience. This particular impression is held within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The accessibility and importance of these influential prints ensure that works such as this composition continue to be studied globally, cementing Dürer’s legacy as the foremost graphic artist of his era. Because of its age and cultural impact, this image remains a crucial example of historical art, frequently referenced in public domain collections."