The Deposition, from The Large Passion

The Deposition, from The Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a pivotal example of Northern Renaissance graphic art, created between 1496 and 1497. This powerful image belongs to the renowned series known as The Large Passion, a collection of eleven monumental woodcuts depicting the narrative of Christ’s suffering and death. The medium is a detailed woodcut executed in black ink on ivory laid paper. Dürer’s masterful handling of the woodblock elevated the print medium from mere illustration to a fine art form, demonstrating complex compositional structure and dramatic emotional intensity.

The subject depicts the solemn moment Christ’s body is lowered from the cross, attended by grieving figures, including the Virgin Mary and St. John. Unlike earlier, stylized depictions, Dürer focuses intently on the gravity and physical effort involved in the removal, drawing the viewer's attention to the deeply shadowed landscape and the heavy, angular drape of the deceased’s torso. Dürer was instrumental in establishing The Large Passion as an influential work throughout Germany and Europe. His dense network of lines and dramatic contrasts of black and white utilize the inherent technical strengths of the woodcut process, defining the standards for graphic arts for generations of printmakers.

As an early masterpiece dating from the end of the 15th century, this print reflects the dynamic artistic environment of Germany during the transition to the High Renaissance. Dürer’s output of widely circulating prints secured his status as a key figure in the history of art. Many influential works, such as this piece, are now available globally through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access for study. This significant impression of The Deposition is housed in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.