Artwork

Pentecost

Pentecost, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510
Pentecost, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510

Pentecost is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

Pentecost is a woodcut on laid paper, created by Albrecht Dürer around 1510, representing a pivotal moment in Christian theology.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles during Pentecost. Apostles, heads tilted upwards, receive the Spirit, symbolized by a dove encircled by rays of light, amidst a background of figures, including one engaged in speech, conveying an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, the work leverages the medium's inherent textural qualities to add depth, characteristic of Dürer's mastery of the technique.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1510, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of Dürer's religious oeuvre, Pentecost reflects the artist's engagement with Christian themes during the early 16th century.

Legacy

As a Dürer woodcut, it contributes to the artist's influential body of work in the medium, though its individual impact within his corpus is not specified.

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.