The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised

The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised by Albrecht Dürer is a profound example of the German master’s early mastery of printmaking. Created between 1495 and 1505, this intense engraving showcases the high level of technical proficiency Dürer achieved following his pivotal early journeys and established his reputation as the preeminent artist of the emerging German Renaissance. Dürer leveraged the extreme precision inherent to the engraving medium, using meticulous cross-hatching and fine lines to render the suffering Christ with an unprecedented sense of volume and detail, defining the standard for graphic arts in Northern Europe throughout the sixteenth century.

The subject matter, the Man of Sorrows, depicts Christ resurrected but still bearing the stigmata and wounds of his Passion. The figure stands before the viewer with hands raised, displaying the nail marks in a gesture of exhibition or supplication, compelling the viewer to meditate on his sacrifice. This specific iconography was particularly resonant in late medieval and early modern Germany, fueling personal piety and the contemplation of Christ's pain.

Dürer’s careful line work gives the figure a startling physical and emotional presence, emphasizing the crown of thorns and the marks left by the scourging. Because prints were easily reproducible and portable, this image helped solidify the artist’s international reputation across Europe. This enduring work, a critical contribution to the history of German prints, resides in the extensive graphics collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.