The Resurrection, from "The Large Passion"

The Resurrection, from "The Large Passion" is a powerful woodcut created by the German master Albrecht Dürer in 1511. This monumental print is part of Dürer’s second great cycle dedicated to the Passion of Christ. During the height of the Northern Renaissance, Dürer was instrumental in elevating the graphic medium, transforming the woodcut from a simple illustrative method into a highly sophisticated art form capable of rich detail and dramatic tonal complexity. The 1511 date places this work firmly within Dürer’s mature period, when he was producing exceptionally refined prints for both the ecclesiastical and commercial markets.

The highly detailed print captures the climactic moment of Christ's resurrection. Jesus ascends triumphantly from the tomb, his body enveloped in a radiant mandorla of divine light. Dürer contrasts the dazzling spiritual energy of the central figure with the confusion below, where Roman guards recoil and sleep, visually defeated by the miracle. The sense of divine movement is amplified by the accompanying figures of Angels, whose presence signifies the celestial recognition of Christ’s victory. Dürer’s precise rendering utilizes dense cross-hatching to achieve deep shadows and profound spatial depth, demonstrating why his graphic works were considered revolutionary in the early 16th century.

This woodcut print was highly successful, reflecting the growing demand across Europe for accessible religious imagery intended for private contemplation and devotion. The popularity of cycles like "The Large Passion" allowed Dürer to disseminate his influential artistic vision widely. This specific impression of The Resurrection is held within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a foundational example of master prints from the period.