The Crucifixion, from "The Passion" (reverse copy)

The Crucifixion, from "The Passion" (reverse copy), is an engraving attributed to the orbit of Albrecht Dürer, capturing the pivotal moment of Christ’s death. Executed as a print sometime between 1485 and 1600, this piece is reflective of Dürer's profound influence on graphic arts during the German Renaissance. The classification as a "reverse copy" suggests it was created by tracing or counter-proofing an existing design, likely an original by Dürer or one of his highly skilled followers who disseminated his compositions widely.

The composition centers dramatically on the Crucifixion, a subject central to the cycle of the Passion. The artist utilizes the sharp contrasts inherent in the engraving medium to articulate the dense concentration of figures that vividly portray the emotional turmoil at Golgotha. Below the cross, the scene incorporates groups of Men and Women mourning or witnessing the event, their varied postures conveying the complex human response to the tragedy. A key symbolic element, common in iconography for the site of the skull, is the presence of Skulls at the base of the cross, referencing Adam and the traditional belief that Christ's sacrifice redeemed original sin.

As an engraving, the medium allowed for the broad and rapid distribution of devotional imagery, solidifying Dürer’s reputation across Europe. Dürer was a master of the burin, establishing precedents for linear detail and tonal complexity that defined printmaking for generations. This historic work, held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents the vast output of Renaissance prints dedicated to Biblical narratives. Such masterworks are often designated as public domain, ensuring their continued accessibility for scholarly study and public appreciation worldwide.