The Flagellation, from The Large Passion

The Flagellation, from The Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is an early and powerful example of the artist’s revolutionary approach to the woodcut medium, created between 1496 and 1497. Executed in black ink on ivory laid paper, this print demonstrates Dürer’s ability to imbue the often-crude woodblock technique with the refinement and complexity usually reserved for engraving. He meticulously controls the density of lines to create deep shadows and dramatic volume, transforming the print from a simple illustration into a profound and emotionally charged work of art.

The scene depicts Christ tightly bound to a central column, subjected to the violence of two muscular tormentors. This print is one of the most famous compositions in Dürer’s ambitious series, The Large Passion, which chronicled the suffering of Christ in twelve monumental scenes. Dürer’s commitment to high artistic standards significantly elevated the status of the print in Germany, moving the woodcut from a functional medium toward a primary artistic expression. His widely circulated graphic works established him as the preeminent figure of the Northern Renaissance, influencing countless artists across Europe.

This powerful historical print is housed within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a foundational piece of Renaissance graphic art, the work illustrates Dürer’s profound influence on narrative composition and figure drawing. Because the artist passed away centuries ago, high-quality images and reproductions of this influential print are widely distributed through public domain repositories, ensuring its ongoing study and appreciation worldwide.