Engraved copies of The Little Passion 1485 - 1699

These engraved copies of "The Little Passion" were made by Albrecht Dürer, who lived from 1471 to 1528. Dürer was a master of printmaking, and this series exemplifies his skill with the engraving technique. Look closely and you'll notice the fine lines incised into the metal plate, a process demanding immense control and precision. Each mark was carefully etched to create the image, and it's through the density and direction of these lines that Dürer achieved the details and tonality seen in the print. The making of prints like these had huge social impact. Engravings were relatively cheap to produce and disseminate, hence, they played a pivotal role in spreading ideas during the Renaissance. Dürer skillfully used a mode of production to not only create beautiful images, but also to reach a wide audience, beyond the traditional elite patrons of art. By valuing both the artistry and its social context, we can fully appreciate Dürer's contribution to art history.