The Sudarium Held by One Angel, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1516, is a powerful example of German Renaissance printmaking. Executed as an etching, this work belongs to Dürer’s later career, showcasing his ongoing technical experimentation and mastery of graphic arts beyond the woodcut and engraving for which he is most widely recognized. This particular print focuses intensely on deeply religious iconography central to the theme of Christ’s Passion.
The central subject is the Sudarium, the cloth believed to have been used to wipe Christ’s face, which bears the vera icon (true image) of his features after his suffering. The composition is defined by the solemn winged Angel supporting the relic. Dürer’s skillful execution of the etching process-a technique still relatively nascent in 16th-century German workshops-allows for the delicate shifts in light and shadow required to render the soft folds of the fabric and the poignant expression of the celestial figure. The immediacy and emotional impact achieved through the etched line give the piece a deeply personal spiritual resonance.
The print is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), where it serves as a key representation of the High Renaissance in Northern Europe. Dürer’s enduring influence on subsequent generations of artists solidified his reputation as one of the pivotal figures of the German Renaissance. As a major historic work, this image is frequently referenced in art historical studies, and its high resolution digital prints are often available through public domain resources.
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