The Resurrection

The Resurrection is a seminal woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1509 and 1510. This masterful print, executed on laid paper, demonstrates the unparalleled technical skill Dürer brought to the medium during the early sixteenth century. This period, spanning 1501 to 1550, marked a significant era for graphic arts, particularly in the German cultural sphere where Dürer was the dominant artistic figure. His innovative approach elevated the woodcut from a simple illustrative tool to a complex medium capable of expressing high-Renaissance compositions and dramatic narrative power.

The work depicts the climactic moment Christ rises triumphantly from the tomb, often surrounded by dramatically rendered and scattered Roman soldiers, caught in the sudden appearance of divine light. Dürer’s profound understanding of human anatomy and emotional expression is evident in the dynamic poses and the detailed, intricate cross-hatching required to convey volume and shadow within the demanding black-and-white print format. Unlike earlier, simpler graphic works, Dürer achieved an almost painterly quality in his depiction of The Resurrection through precise line work, thereby advancing the status of fine art prints across Europe.

This specific example of the print is classified among the finest impressions of Dürer's graphic output and is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major work by the leading figure of the Northern Renaissance, the piece continues to be studied for its theological weight and technical brilliance. Given its age and established artistic importance, high-resolution reproductions of works such as this are often available for study and reference through various public domain art initiatives, ensuring its accessibility long after its creation over five hundred years ago.