The Entombment

The Entombment by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful Northern Renaissance woodcut, executed sometime during the wide span of his active career, 1485-1528. This print exemplifies the artistic mastery Dürer brought to the medium, transforming the woodcut from a functional illustrative technique into a sophisticated vehicle for high art. Produced during a period of intense religious and artistic change in Northern Europe, this piece demonstrates the German master's skill in handling complex compositions and emotional weight through sharp, delineated lines characteristic of his pioneering graphic style.

The scene depicts the solemn moment following the Crucifixion, focusing on the profound Sadness surrounding the placement of Christ’s body into the sepulcher. Dürer’s dramatic rendering captures the anguish of the attending figures, who include the grieving Virgin Mary and the visibly distraught Mary Magdalene. The careful arrangement of mourners directs the viewer’s eye toward the inert figure of Christ, enhancing the solemnity of the moment and demonstrating Dürer’s interest in human anatomy and classical proportion, even within the limitations of the woodcut format.

The success of Dürer’s prints allowed broader dissemination of complex religious iconography during the early 16th century, solidifying his reputation across the continent. This significant work is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a primary example of how Dürer elevated the status of printmaking during the Renaissance.