Artwork
The Small Passion: Christ Being Nailed to the Cross

The Small Passion: Christ Being Nailed to the Cross is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Small Passion: Christ Being Nailed to the Cross is a 1510 print by Albrecht Dürer, a renowned German Renaissance painter and printmaker. This work is part of a series depicting the Passion of Christ and is currently held in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a pivotal moment in the Passion of Christ, where Jesus is nailed to the cross. The scene conveys intense suffering and sacrifice, emphasized by Jesus' anguished expression amidst the surrounding figures.
Technique & Style
While specific techniques used in this print are not detailed here, Dürer's work is known for its masterful use of chiaroscuro, a characteristic of his influential woodcuts and engravings that added depth and emotional intensity to his subjects.
History & Provenance
Created in 1510, the print reflects Dürer's established prominence in European art by his twenties, with connections to major Italian artists of the time. It is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Part of *The Small Passion* series, this work sits within Dürer's broader exploration of religious themes, catering to the devotional needs of the Renaissance period while showcasing his artistic innovation.
Legacy
As part of Dürer's oeuvre, *The Small Passion: Christ Being Nailed to the Cross* contributes to his lasting impact on Renaissance art, particularly in the development and popularization of woodcut prints in Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)


![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)










