The Entombment by Albrecht Dürer is a significant woodcut print dating from the extensive period of 1485-1528. This early example of German Renaissance graphic art, housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Dürer’s profound technical skill in manipulating the medium to achieve complex visual narratives.
The subject captures the deep sadness and overwhelming grief surrounding the burial of Christ. The composition centers on the moment the body is lowered into the sarcophagus, supported by various figures, including the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, whose expressions and postures communicate intense mourning. This piece is characteristic of Dürer’s ability to imbue the traditionally restrictive woodcut technique with dramatic depth and detailed rendering, particularly in the emotional intensity of the mourners and the realistic treatment of light and shadow.
As one of the earliest masters to elevate prints to the status of high art, Dürer’s influence during this 15th and 16th century period was immense. The creation of such devotional works facilitated the widespread dissemination of religious iconography across Europe. Today, this work remains a central example of Northern Renaissance prints, and because of its historical significance, high-quality images and prints of this masterpiece often fall into the public domain, making Dürer’s compelling vision of the Entombment widely accessible for study and appreciation.
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