The Man of Sorrows Seated, title page of "The Small Passion"

The Man of Sorrows Seated, title page of "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, is a profound example of German Renaissance printmaking, dating from 1511. Executed as a woodcut, this powerful print served as the crucial frontispiece for Dürer’s influential religious publication, The Small Passion. Dürer published this highly popular series simultaneously in Latin and German editions, demonstrating his mastery of the medium and his entrepreneurial approach to circulating sacred imagery. This particular impression is held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The central figure depicts Christ, presented as the Man of Sorrows, burdened by the instruments of his impending suffering. This image captures the theological concept of the suffering Redeemer following his scourging, conveying a powerful sense of sadness and contemplation. Dürer achieves remarkable detail and intense emotional resonance through the stark contrast inherent in the woodcut technique. The lines are precise and vigorous, lending volumetric form to the figure seated on a stone bench. Christ gazes downward, symbolizing profound vulnerability and internal reflection.

As a printmaker, Dürer elevated the woodcut from a simple illustration method to a sophisticated art form capable of dramatic expression and nuance. The widespread dissemination of The Small Passion ensured that this depiction of Christ’s sacrifice reached a broad European audience, solidifying Dürer's international reputation. The enduring quality of these prints allows researchers and enthusiasts to study these foundational works of the Northern Renaissance today, with many high-quality impressions belonging to the public domain through major museum holdings.