Artwork

The Great Passion: Title Page - Christ, Man of Sorrows

The Great Passion:  Title Page - Christ,  Man of Sorrows, by Albrecht Dürer, 1504
The Great Passion:  Title Page - Christ,  Man of Sorrows, by Albrecht Dürer, 1504

The Great Passion: Title Page - Christ, Man of Sorrows is a print by Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1504 by Albrecht Dürer, a renowned German Renaissance artist, *The Great Passion: Title Page - Christ, Man of Sorrows* is a woodcut print from a larger religious series, currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Christ as the Man of Sorrows, a biblical representation of Christ after crucifixion, symbolizing sorrow and redemption. A kneeling figure, possibly a disciple or penitent, looks up to Christ in reverence, emphasizing devotion and lamentation.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figures. The somber, gray background contrasts with the detailed, expressive figures, characteristic of Dürer's mastery of woodcut techniques.

History & Provenance

Part of Dürer's early successes, this work contributed to his European reputation by his twenties. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, though earlier ownership details are not specified here.

Context

Produced during the Renaissance, this work reflects the period's religious themes and artistic innovations. Dürer's connections with Italian artists may have influenced the piece's style, blending Northern European detail with Italian Renaissance techniques.

Legacy

As part of *The Great Passion* series, this print contributes to Dürer's lasting impact on religious art and woodcut techniques, continuing to be studied for its emotional depth and technical achievement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.