The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion by Albrecht Dürer, dating to 1508, is a highly refined example of the artist’s mastery of the engraving medium. Created during the height of the German Renaissance, this print demonstrates Dürer’s profound influence on European art history, particularly regarding the standardization of printmaking techniques. The date places the work shortly after his major successes, a time when he was solidifying his international reputation as a master printmaker. This specific work is classified as one of his independent prints, often created for dissemination to a broad audience eager for religious imagery.

As an engraving, the composition relies entirely on precise, deeply cut lines into a copper plate to achieve tonal variation, texture, and dramatic light effects. Dürer was unparalleled in his ability to render complex forms and emotional depth using only cross-hatching and parallel strokes. The clarity and technical detail evident in this piece exemplify the meticulous precision that characterized Northern European art of the early 16th century. Prints like this circulated widely throughout Germany and beyond, making this religious subject matter accessible and establishing Dürer's reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his time. The fine execution of The Crucifixion ensures its enduring appeal as a foundational work within the history of prints.

This iconic religious depiction is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of Dürer’s foundational role in the medium and the work’s significant age, high-quality representations of this German masterwork are often found in public domain archives, ensuring its accessibility for global study and appreciation.