Who painted The Great Passion: The Deposition?

The Great Passion: The Deposition was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1504.

Where can I see The Great Passion: The Deposition?

The Great Passion: The Deposition is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Great Passion: The Deposition?

The Great Passion: The Deposition is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Great Passion: The Deposition

Albrecht Dürer , 1504

The Great Passion: The Deposition is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist's attention to detail is interesting, especially in the faces of the people, which show sadness and concern.

The painting shows a scene of Jesus being taken down from the cross.
It's a somber moment, with people gathered around.
The artist's attention to detail is interesting, especially in the faces of the people, which show sadness and concern.

The painting's style is notable for its use of lines and shapes to create a sense of depth.
The artist used simple compositions to convey strong emotions.

You can learn more about this style by looking into the work of artist: Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528)

Overview

Created circa 1504, *The Great Passion: The Deposition* is a print by Albrecht Dürer, a central figure of the German Renaissance. It belongs to a larger series that narrates the events of Christ’s Passion. The work is presently held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s early‑modern European collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment when Christ’s body is lowered from the cross, surrounded by mournful onlookers. The composition emphasizes the collective grief of the participants, whose expressions convey sorrow and concern, inviting viewers to contemplate the human response to the crucifixion.

Technique & Style

Executed with Dürer’s characteristic precision in line, the print employs a restrained arrangement of forms to generate spatial depth. The careful rendering of facial features and drapery demonstrates his skill in translating emotional intensity through linear design, a hallmark of his printmaking practice.

History & Provenance

Dürer produced the work during a period of intense contact with Italian art, absorbing influences from contemporaries such as Raphael and Leonardo. The piece later entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains a documented example of his early 16th‑century output.