The Deposition, from The Small Passion (copy)

The Deposition, from The Small Passion (copy) by Albrecht Dürer is a profound example of German Renaissance printmaking, executed as an engraving between approximately 1485 and 1528. Dürer, the undisputed master of graphic arts during this period, utilized the precise cutting capabilities of the burin to create works that rivaled paintings in detail and dramatic scope. This particular impression illustrates the solemn moment of Christ's removal from the cross, a pivotal event commonly known as the Descent from the Cross iconography.

The scene is dominated by the figures surrounding the dead Savior, capturing the raw grief and physical exertion involved in the deposition. Dürer’s technique emphasizes sharp contrasts of light and shadow, relying on densely packed, meticulously controlled lines to define volume and atmosphere. The inclusion of this dramatic composition within the compact size required for the print format demonstrates Dürer’s genius for narrative compression, making complex religious themes accessible and emotionally immediate to a wide audience.

As a piece from the famed series The Small Passion, this engraving was crucial in disseminating Dürer’s artistic style and standardized iconography throughout Europe. Prints of this caliber allowed for the mass production and distribution of high-quality religious imagery, significantly impacting Northern European devotional practices. Today, this work is classified as a print and resides in the robust collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because the original works are historical, numerous impressions and copies of these seminal prints are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to the technical brilliance of Dürer's output.