Who painted The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1509.

Where can I see The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross

Albrecht Dürer , 1509

The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1509 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1961.274
Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ehrenfest in memory of William J. Collins

About this work

Overview

Created in 1509 by Albrecht Dürer, a pivotal figure in the German Renaissance, The Small Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is a woodcut print that exemplifies the artist's renowned printmaking skills. Part of a religious series, it captures a poignant moment from the Passion of Christ.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Jesus bearing the cross, surrounded by a mix of assisting and indifferent onlookers. This selective focus on a specific narrative moment invites contemplation on the event's emotional and theological implications within the broader Passion narrative.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed simple, expressive lines and geometric shapes to achieve depth. The composition guides the viewer's eye through strategic figure arrangement, potentially incorporating principles akin to chiaroscuro to enhance visual tension and dramatic effect.

History & Provenance

Originally part of Dürer's early European successes through woodcuts, the piece is now housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Emerging from Dürer's transition from woodcuts to engravings, this work reflects his contribution to the religious themes prevalent in Renaissance art, blending technical innovation with devotional subject matter.

Legacy

As part of The Small Passion series, it contributes to Dürer's legacy in elevating printmaking as a respected art form, influencing subsequent generations of artists in both technique and the treatment of religious subjects.