The Last Supper, from The Large Passion

The Last Supper, from The Large Passion, created by Albrecht Dürer German (1471-1528) in 1510, stands as a fundamental example of Northern Renaissance graphic arts. This striking work is a woodcut rendered in black ink on ivory laid paper, showcasing the technical mastery Dürer brought to the medium of prints. By emphasizing high contrast and meticulous line work, the artist achieved a dramatic intensity rarely seen in contemporary European printmaking.

The subject illustrates the moment Christ reveals to his disciples that one of them will betray him. Dürer (1471-1528) rejects the symmetrical compositional format often used in Italy, instead grouping the disciples in agitated clusters around a segmented table. Christ is seated toward the left edge, isolating him slightly and focusing attention on the intense, individualized emotional reactions of the Apostles. This expressive style reflects the fervent religious environment in Germany at the turn of the 16th century.

This piece belongs to Dürer’s monumental series, The Large Passion, which utilized the reproducible nature of the woodcut to disseminate complex theological narratives to a wide audience. The accessibility of these prints contributed significantly to the artist’s international renown. This specific impression of The Last Supper, from The Large Passion is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it provides critical insight into Dürer’s foundational role in solidifying the woodcut as a fine art form.