The Entombment

The Entombment by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1512, stands as a seminal example of Northern Renaissance graphic art. This highly detailed work is executed as an engraving on laid paper, demonstrating the unparalleled precision Dürer achieved in his printmaking career. As a master engraver, he utilized the burin to create rich tonal variations and deep shadows through intricate cross-hatching and fine linework, allowing him to render textures and details comparable to oil painting.

The subject matter depicts the immediate aftermath of the Crucifixion, showing the body of Christ being carefully lowered into the sepulchre. The scene is filled with profound grief, featuring figures such as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus supporting the weight of Christ, while the Virgin Mary and other mourners grieve nearby. Executed during the vital period of 1501 to 1550, this work reflects the era's deep theological focus and Dürer’s integration of Italian Renaissance compositional clarity with the meticulous naturalism favored in German art.

The technical skill exhibited in this piece confirms Dürer’s position as one of the most significant figures in the history of German Renaissance art. The classification as a print meant the image could be reproduced and widely distributed across Europe, cementing Dürer’s influence. This specific impression of the work is held within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art. The enduring quality of these early prints ensures that reproductions, often available through public domain image archives, remain critical resources for the study of Renaissance artistry and iconography.