The Entombment

The Entombment by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1512, is an outstanding example of the artist's profound technical refinement and emotional complexity within the engraving medium. Executed during the height of the German Northern Renaissance, this print illustrates the dramatic narrative of Christ being laid in the tomb, a standard scene within Passion iconography. Dürer organizes the crowded scene around the central action, focusing intensely on the physical exertion of the pallbearers and the deep sorrow of the Virgin Mary and the surrounding figures.

Dürer’s handling of the copper plate allows for a dense atmospheric quality, utilizing meticulous cross-hatching to create deep shadows and luminous highlights. This sophisticated control of line and texture achieves a powerful, three-dimensional effect, giving the small-scale engraving a monumental feel. This precision is characteristic of the artist’s finest productions from the early 1510s, confirming his reputation as the preeminent printmaker of his generation. Through such detailed prints, Dürer ensured that the technical and intellectual innovations of German art were disseminated widely across Europe.

This historically significant artwork is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its clear provenance and status as a classic piece of early sixteenth-century German printmaking ensures its continued relevance for scholars. As an important masterwork, reproductions of this piece are often available for educational and non-commercial purposes, contributing to its status within the public domain.