The Sudarium Held by One Angel

The Sudarium Held by One Angel by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1516, is a significant example of the artist’s groundbreaking engagement with new printmaking technologies. This devotional piece was executed in the technically demanding medium of etching, specifically utilizing an iron plate on laid paper. This experimentation with acid and metal distinguishes the work from Dürer’s more typical, tightly controlled copper engravings, resulting in a looser, more gestural line quality that foreshadows later developments in graphic arts.

The iconography centers on the Sudarium, the legendary Veil of Veronica, which miraculously bears the imprint of Christ's face after it was used to wipe his brow during the journey to the crucifixion. Dürer depicts a single, deeply shadowed angel supporting the weight of the cloth, emphasizing the tragic solemnity and spiritual power of the holy relic. The etching process allowed Dürer to render the texture of the veil and the subtle gradations of shadow on the face with remarkable immediacy, creating a powerful focus on the suffering visage of Christ. This work places the artist firmly within the vibrant period of Northern Renaissance German art spanning 1501 to 1550.

As one of the central prints from this experimental phase of Dürer’s career, this piece demonstrates his commitment to disseminating complex religious narratives through reproducible media. The artist’s masterful handling of the nascent iron etching process solidified his reputation as Northern Europe's leading graphic innovator. The surviving impressions of this profound German masterwork are treasured by institutions worldwide; this particular example resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical nature and age of Dürer’s graphic output, high-quality images of his influential prints are often found in the public domain, ensuring continued access to this significant theological image.