Christ Before Caiaphas, from The Small Passion 1508 - 1509

Albrecht Durer made this woodcut, Christ Before Caiaphas, as part of his Small Passion series. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into a block of wood, removing the areas that will not be inked. The remaining raised surface is then inked and pressed onto paper. This allows for multiple impressions to be made. Durer's mastery of the woodcut is evident in the intricate detail and dramatic composition he achieved with simple lines. Look at the deep blacks and crisp whites that give the scene its intensity. The process requires precision and control, as each line must be carefully carved to create the desired effect. The relative ease of production of woodcuts, as compared to painting, meant that Durer's imagery could be widely disseminated, carrying his vision of the Passion to a broad audience. This speaks to the democratizing power of printmaking, making art more accessible across social strata. Considering the labor involved, from the artist's hand to the printing press, highlights the social context of art production in Durer's time.