The Deposition of Christ, from "The Large Passion"

The Deposition of Christ, from "The Large Passion" is a powerful woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer in 1511. This intense image is the ninth in the influential Large Passion series, illustrating the solemn moment immediately following the Descent from the Cross. The composition focuses on the handling of Christ’s rigid body as it is lowered onto a shroud in preparation for entombment, marking the finality of death.

Dürer masterfully uses the woodcut medium to convey profound suffering and sadness. The scene is densely populated by men mourning, their grief palpable as they tend to the deceased Savior. Prominently featured is the figure of the Virgin Mary, overcome with emotion and supported by attendants. The technical virtuosity displayed in this German Renaissance print is remarkable, utilizing deep, expressive lines and dramatic cross-hatching to define volume and atmosphere, emphasizing the emotional weight of the sacrifice.

Produced during a peak period of Dürer’s career, this work reflects his dedication to elevating the status of prints as high art. The widespread circulation of prints from the Large Passion series across Europe solidified Dürer's international reputation as the leading master of the medium. Today, this significant Dürer woodcut is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As the original work is centuries old, high-quality images of this pivotal piece are often available in the public domain, ensuring ongoing study and appreciation of this foundational example of Renaissance printmaking.