Kruisiging

About this artwork

beeld: hoogte 214 mm x breedte 145 mm

Art Historical Context

Albrecht Dürer's *Kruisiging* (Crucifixion), between 1503 and 1504, is a compact yet powerful work on paper measuring just 214 mm high by 145 mm wide. As a cornerstone of Northern Renaissance art, this piece captures the dramatic moment of Christ's crucifixion, a central theme in Christian iconography that Dürer revisited throughout his career. The German master's meticulous attention to detail and emotional intensity make it a standout example of his printmaking prowess during his mature period. Dürer, often called the of the North, bridged Gothic traditions with emerging Renaissance humanism. By the early 1500s, he had traveled to Italy, absorbing classical proportions and perspective, which infused his works with unprecedented realism. Produced on paper—a revolutionary medium for mass reproduction via engraving or woodcut—this small-scale artwork allowed Dürer's intricate line work and shading to reach a wide audience, from nobility to common folk, democratizing high art. Its cultural significance lies in blending spiritual devotion with technical innovation; Dürer's engravings were prized collectibles, influencing generations of artists. Visitors will appreciate how this intimate *Kruisiging* distills profound suffering and redemption into a portable masterpiece, embodying the era's fusion of faith, science, and artistry.

About the Artist

Albrecht Dürer · 1471–1528

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) stands as the preeminent figure of the Northern Renaissance and arguably the most influential artist in the history of printmaking. Born in Nuremberg on May 21, 1471, and dying in the same city on April 6, 1528, Dürer revolutionized the status of the artist in Northern Europe, transforming printmaking from a commercial craft into an independent fine art and establishing ...