The Last Supper, from "The Small Passion"

The Last Supper, from "The Small Passion" is a significant woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1508 and 1509. This print belongs to Dürer’s influential series illustrating the life and Passion of Christ, commonly known as The Small Passion. Dürer, a pivotal figure of the Northern Renaissance, revolutionized the woodcut medium, transforming it from a simple illustrative technique into a vehicle for high art.

The work’s technical sophistication is evident in the remarkable detail and rich tonal range Dürer achieved. By employing intricate systems of fine lines and varied cross-hatching, Dürer could effectively define shadows and dimensionality, lending the prints a visual weight typically reserved for engraving or painting. This clarity and precision allowed for mass production while maintaining artistic integrity.

The subject matter depicts the intense, dramatic moment of the Last Supper. Christ is positioned centrally among the twelve apostles-the 'Men'-gathered around a humble table. The composition captures the immediate aftermath of Christ’s declaration of betrayal, and Dürer meticulously details the varied and powerful emotional reactions displayed by the figures, ranging from shock and consternation to questioning confusion.

Dürer’s genius lies in merging classical compositional rigor with intense Northern realism and spiritual gravity. The accessibility and technical excellence of these prints ensured their widespread influence across Europe during the 16th century. Today, this iconic piece resides in the distinguished collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a critical example of Dürer’s mastery of graphic arts.