The Resurrection

"The Resurrection" by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful representation of the central Christian event, created during the period spanning his productive years, 1485 to 1528. As a German Renaissance master, Dürer elevated the woodcut medium from a simple illustrative form to a respected artistic classification. This print showcases the precise and sophisticated line work that characterizes Dürer’s mature technique.

The scene focuses on the triumphant figure of Christ, ascending vertically from the stone sarcophagus in a burst of energy. The composition skillfully contrasts the divine radiance of the resurrected Christ with the earthly figures below. The tags "Men" and "Resurrection" are brought to life through the surrounding Roman guards, who are shown reacting to the miracle; some shielded their eyes, others are slumped in sleep, and one figure tumbles backwards in alarm. Dürer’s ability to depict complex movement and intense emotion within the demanding constraints of the woodcut technique is evident in every finely carved detail.

This medium allowed Dürer to widely disseminate his interpretations of key biblical subjects, reaching a broad audience across Europe. The resulting prints established his reputation as one of the era’s most influential artists. Because of the historical significance and broad distribution of Dürer's graphic works, many of his masterful prints are now cataloged within various museum holdings and are sometimes available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to his legacy. This specific impression is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.