The Sudarium Carried by Two Angels, copy

The Sudarium Carried by Two Angels, copy by Albrecht Dürer is an important example of posthumous printmaking, executed in the demanding medium of engraving. This striking print, dated between 1548 and 1619, resides in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting the enduring influence of the German Renaissance master.

The composition centers on the relic of the Sudarium, the cloth believed to bear the vera icon or true image of Christ's face. The melancholic and haunting visage of Christ, crowned with thorns and marked by suffering, is the powerful focal point of the devotional imagery. Two symmetrically opposed angels, wings spanning the upper register, reverently bear the sacred cloth, emphasizing the celestial significance of the Passion and Resurrection. The integration of Angels and Christ in this composition was immensely popular, providing a meditative focus for viewers reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice.

While this particular piece is classified as a later copy, it faithfully reproduces the highly successful original design created by Dürer. The creation of such prints after the artist’s death allowed broader access to complex and powerful religious imagery across Europe, testament to the continued commercial viability of Dürer’s designs. The technical mastery required for this type of engraving ensured that the expressive lines and textures of the original work were accurately conveyed. The continued circulation of these powerful prints ensured that the visual legacy of Dürer remained central to the history of graphic arts for decades. Today, high-quality copies of such historic prints often enter the public domain, securing the accessibility of this pivotal artwork.