The Entombment, from "The Passion"

"The Entombment, from "The Passion"" is a profound engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512, executed during the height of the German Renaissance. This specific print captures the devastating moment immediately following the Crucifixion, depicting the solemn process of laying Christ's body into the tomb. The composition is charged with profound sadness, as figures including the Virgin Mary and St. John mourn the loss, their expressions conveying immense grief. This work is a crucial part of Dürer’s renowned series of prints detailing the life and sacrifice of Christ, known collectively as "The Passion."

Dürer was an undisputed master of the Northern Renaissance, and his technical brilliance is immediately evident in the precise, controlled lines of this engraving. He skillfully manipulates the demanding medium to achieve deep, velvety shadows and intricate textures in the drapery and surrounding landscape. The careful handling of light and shadow serves to heighten the emotional intensity of the scene, particularly around the central figure of Christ and the distraught Virgin Mary, whose presence anchors the sorrow of the Entombment subject.

This iconic image is a significant example of early 16th-century German printmaking and is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dürer’s innovative approach to rendering narrative details in prints revolutionized the accessibility of religious art, allowing complex subjects like the sadness inherent in the burial scene to circulate widely. Thanks to the age and historical impact of the original plates, many high-quality prints of this artwork are now available through the public domain, ensuring the enduring legacy of this pivotal artist.