The Crucifixion, from The Large Passion

Art Historical Context

Albrecht Dürer's *The Crucifixion*, his seminal series *The Large Passion (ca. 1498), captures the pivotal moment of Christ's death on the cross in a dramatic woodcut that exemplifies the Northern Renaissance master's genius. Part of a 12-print cycle narrating the Passion of Christ, this work draws from biblical accounts, depicting the Savior flanked by the two thieves, with mourning figures—including Mary and John—at the base, and angels gathering his blood in chalices above. Dürer's meticulous composition blends intense emotion with symbolic depth, inviting viewers to contemplate sacrifice and redemption. As a woodcut printed on a large sheet (15 1/4 x 10 15/16 in.), the piece showcases Dürer's revolutionary technique: he carved intricate details directly into the woodblock, achieving unprecedented finesse rivaling engraving. This innovation made high-quality religious imagery affordable and widely accessible during the late 15th century, fueling the spread of devotional art amid the eve of the Protestant Reformation in Germany. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Henry Walters, 1917), *The Crucifixion* highlights Dürer's role in elevating printmaking to fine art, influencing generations and bridging Gothic traditions with Renaissance humanism. A timeless emblem of faith and artistry, it remains a visitor favorite for its raw power and technical brilliance.

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 ...