The Fall and Redemption of Man

Executed by Albrecht Altdorfer, the prints demonstrate an unusually high level of detail for woodcut, a medium typically less precise than engraving. The artist’s skill in rendering fine lines and intricate textures rivals the miniature woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer’s Small Passion (1511) and anticipates later works such as Hans Holbein’s Dance of Death (c.1526).

Originally printed in sets of five large sheets, each sheet carried eight individual woodblocks. To improve printing efficiency, the sheets were later divided, and most copies were cut into single prints. The museum’s set retains the original half‑sheet format, preserving four images on each page and thus maintaining part of the initial layout.

By 1513 Altdorfer had already produced a range of small, meticulously rendered engravings, yet he chose the more demanding woodcut for this series. The decision reflects a broader early‑16th‑century interest in producing portable, affordable devotional images that could reach a wider audience while still showcasing artistic virtuosity.