Artwork

The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised

The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised, by Albrecht Dürer, 1500
The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised, by Albrecht Dürer, 1500

The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1500, *The Man of Sorrows Standing, with Hands Raised* is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, a pivotal figure in the German Renaissance, renowned for his technical prowess in printmaking and painting.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Christ in a pose of suffering and supplication, symbolized by a crown of thorns, raised hands, and accompanying symbols of mortality (a skull) and turmoil (a broken column), with a dog adding a note of realism amidst the allegory.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed sharp lines and pronounced chiaroscuro to convey Christ's muscularity and emotional depth, characteristic of his mastery in capturing dramatic effects through contrast of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Dürer's broad European acclaim, including patronage by Emperor Maximilian I, for his precise and emotionally charged works.

Context

This woodcut exemplifies Dürer's frequent exploration of religious themes during the German Renaissance, blending devout expression with innovative artistic techniques.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to Dürer's overall impact on European art, particularly in the development of printmaking as a respected medium.

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.