The Fall of Man, from "The Small Passion"

The Fall of Man, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1510, is a foundational example of Northern Renaissance graphic arts. This sophisticated woodcut belongs to a series illustrating the Passion of Christ, a project Dürer undertook to synthesize complex theological narratives into portable, reproducible images for widespread distribution. Dürer’s treatment of the woodcut medium revolutionized printmaking in the early 16th century; he applied the detailed draftsmanship and fine line work previously associated only with copperplate engraving, dramatically increasing the medium's capacity for expressive detail.

The scene vividly depicts the moment of original sin, focusing on the biblical figures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The composition captures Eve receiving the forbidden fruit from the serpent-entwined tree, preparing to offer it to Adam. Drawing upon his deep interest in classical humanism, inspired by his travels to Italy, Dürer renders the human forms of Adam and Eve with careful attention to idealized anatomy and proportional accuracy. His technical mastery is evident in the dense, layered cross-hatching used to create deep shadows and volumetric rendering, allowing the black-and-white print to achieve a sense of three-dimensional form.

This influential work solidified Dürer’s position as one of Europe’s foremost graphic artists, demonstrating how effectively woodcut prints could convey both intellectual rigor and high artistic quality. The comprehensive series, "The Small Passion," served to disseminate Protestant and Humanist ideas throughout Europe. This outstanding example of Dürer’s innovative printmaking remains a critical touchstone in art history and is housed within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As this and many other Dürer prints have entered the public domain, his detailed artistic legacy continues to be studied and appreciated globally.