The Resurrection, from The Large Passion

The Resurrection, from The Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a highly dramatic woodcut created in 1510, showcasing the artist’s revolutionary approach to the print medium. Rendered in black ink on cream laid paper, this work is the final triumphant scene in Dürer’s celebrated devotional series, The Large Passion, which chronicled the suffering and ultimate victory of Christ.

Dürer’s treatment of the Resurrection is characterized by intense movement and high contrast, pushing the technical limits of the woodcut technique. Christ ascends powerfully, enveloped in light, his banner held high, while the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb are scattered in various stages of disbelief and terror below. Dürer’s mastery is evident in the detailed handling of the drapery and the complex interplay of light and shadow, achieved solely through the precise cutting of the woodblock.

Produced in Germany during the height of the Renaissance, this print reflects the era's focus on detailed human anatomy and emotional realism, while simultaneously adhering to traditional religious iconography. As a printmaker, Dürer ensured that high-quality, reproducible religious imagery could reach a wide audience, cementing his legacy and influencing subsequent generations of artists across Europe.

This powerful woodcut remains a cornerstone of the artist’s graphic output. This important impression of The Resurrection is held within the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.