The Resurrection, from The Large Passion

The Resurrection, from The Large Passion is a powerful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, in 1510. This pivotal work, executed in black ink on ivory laid paper, is one of the most famous images from Dürer’s influential series illustrating the suffering and triumph of Christ. Unlike earlier, often simpler woodcuts, this piece demonstrates the revolutionary level of detail and dramatic light effects Dürer achieved in the medium, effectively challenging the aesthetic dominance of contemporary copperplate engraving.

This print exemplifies the high point of the German Renaissance master’s career as a graphic artist. The scene depicts the triumphant, weightless figure of Christ ascending directly from the sarcophagus, wielding the banner of the Resurrection while the Roman guards below recoil in shock and confusion. Dürer skillfully employs sophisticated cross-hatching and varied line weight to create deep shadows and volume, emphasizing the spiritual light radiating from Christ against the darkness surrounding the tomb. The dynamic composition and the agitated poses of the figures convey both visceral drama and theological certainty.

As a print, this powerful work could be widely distributed across Germany and Europe, spreading the artist's renown and his unique style of religious narrative. Due to the age and historical significance of this 1510 masterwork, high-quality images and related prints are now commonly available for academic study and reference through public domain resources. This outstanding example of Dürer’s printmaking innovation resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.