The Resurrection

The Resurrection, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512, is a masterful example of the German Renaissance artist's technical prowess in printmaking. Executed in the demanding medium of engraving, this sheet demonstrates the precision, textural variety, and depth Dürer achieved using the burin. Produced during the height of the Northern Renaissance, the piece reflects the sophisticated religious iconography prevalent in Germany during the early 16th century, solidifying Dürer’s reputation as the foremost graphic artist of his era.

The scene vividly captures the moment Christ rises triumphantly from the sarcophagus, bathed in celestial light, leaving behind a group of astonished and sleeping Roman guards. Dürer utilizes dramatic contrast and carefully modulated cross-hatching to convey the divine radiance of the resurrected figure against the stark darkness of the tomb chamber. The dynamic composition emphasizes both the central miracle and the earthly chaos of the soldiers reacting to the momentous event. Dürer’s meticulous handling of details, especially the varied armor and drapery, sets an enduring standard for graphic arts.

As one of Dürer’s iconic prints, The Resurrection was instrumental in spreading the artist’s fame throughout Europe. The wide dissemination of such high-quality graphic works established the power of the print medium as an accessible artistic form. This exceptional impression of the historic German artwork is housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Today, many impressions of Dürer’s key religious subjects are considered part of the public domain, ensuring continued global access to these influential images.