Who painted The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands?

The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1510.

Where can I see The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands?

The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands?

The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands

Albrecht Dürer , 1510

The Small Passion: Pilate Washing His Hands 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: Pilate Washing His Hands is a print by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1510. It is part of a series of works depicting the Passion of Christ.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Pontius Pilate washing his hands, a biblical episode symbolizing his attempt to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus' fate. Figures surrounding Pilate include a attendant and a kneeling soldier with a spear and rods.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to emphasize the figures in the composition. This characteristic of Renaissance art is evident in the dimly lit room and the highlighted figures.

History & Provenance

The print is now held in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It is one of a series of works by Dürer that gained him European recognition for his skill in printmaking.