The Small Woodcut Passion

The Small Woodcut Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, dated 1511, is a monumental achievement in the history of German Renaissance prints. This important work is presented as a complete volume, featuring woodcut illustrations complemented by letterpress text printed in black on cream laid paper. The current binding is a testament to the work's enduring value, consisting of modern full red calfskin, meticulously sewn on raised bands, featuring elegant blind fillets along the inner edges of the boards, blind lines, and gold titling on the spine, finished with hand-sewn silk headbands.

Executed while Dürer was at the height of his printmaking prowess, this cycle was intended for widespread circulation, dramatically increasing the availability of religious imagery during the early 16th century. Dürer’s technical mastery is evident in the finely detailed line work, which elevates the woodcut medium far beyond its previous rustic reputation. Though primarily rendered in stark black ink, the series exhibits delicate additions in pen and brown ink on certain sheets, indicating touch-ups or adjustments made during the printing process.

As a crucial element of the cultural output of Germany during this period, this publication series demonstrates the artist’s innovative approach to narrative sequencing and dramatic composition. The work is classified as a print, reflecting the innovative reproductive processes Dürer championed. Today, this remarkable bound set resides within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and enthusiasts a detailed view into one of the most influential periods of European art history. Like many masterworks of this era, the original concepts utilized by Dürer have influenced subsequent artists whose works are now often found in the public domain.