Artwork

Christ Carrying the Cross

Christ Carrying the Cross, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1509
Christ Carrying the Cross, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1509

Christ Carrying the Cross is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1509 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

Christ Carrying the Cross is a 1509 woodcut on laid paper by Albrecht Dürer, conveying a pivotal moment in Christian iconography with remarkable detail despite its small scale.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Jesus Christ bearing the cross, accompanied by a procession of figures, whose facial expressions are meticulously rendered to evoke a range of emotions, underscoring the narrative's dramatic intensity.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, a technique Dürer mastered, the work showcases his ability to achieve intricate details and emotional depth through this medium, characteristic of Northern Renaissance printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1509, the woodcut's enduring quality and intricate craftsmanship are notable given its age, spanning over 500 years, though specific provenance details are not provided here.

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.

British Museum

Museum

British Museum

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