The Small Passion: Lamentation

The Small Passion: Lamentation by Albrecht Dürer, created between 1509 and 1510, is a masterful example of the woodcut technique that revolutionized German graphic arts during the Northern Renaissance. This print belongs to the artist's famed series, The Small Passion, a cycle of thirty-seven woodcuts designed for wide distribution and accessibility to the public. Dürer’s meticulous approach transformed the woodcut medium from a crude illustrative tool into a sophisticated vehicle for artistic expression. Unlike earlier block cutters, Dürer achieved intense tonal variation and minute detail, demonstrating complex control over line work and shading. The period when Dürer executed these influential prints coincides with the height of his international recognition, solidifying his reputation as Germany's most important graphic artist of the era.

The scene depicts the Lamentation, focusing on the moment Christ’s body is mourned immediately after the deposition. The composition skillfully balances the deep emotional gravity of the subject matter with technical precision characteristic of Dürer’s mature style. Note the dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through intricate cross-hatching, which elevated the potential of the medium. The widespread success of the series, particularly popular for its relatively small format, contributed significantly to the dissemination of religious prints across Europe. This fine impression is part of the extensive collection maintained by the Cleveland Museum of Art, offering crucial insight into the graphic output of the early 16th century master.