Albrecht Dürer, Noli Me Tangere (The Small Passion), 1612

Artist: Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528)
Title:Noli Me Tangere (The Small Passion), 1612
Reference:B.47; K.253; M.156; Str.131
Medium:Original Woodcut
Image Size:4 15/16 in x 3 7/8 in (12.5 cm x 9.8 cm)
Sheet Size:7 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in (19.7 cm x 14 cm)
Framed Size:22 in x 20 3/4 in (55.9 cm x 52.7 cm)
Edition:This work is from the Italian edition of 1612, with Italian text on verso.
Signature:This work is monogrammed in the woodblock 'AD' in the lower left.
Condition:This work is in good condition.
ID #w-4280

Historical Description

Albrecht Dürer Noli Me Tangere (The Small Passion), 1612; Full of complex line work and detailed value transitions, the image engages the viewer through the wealth of imagery found throughout the picture plane. The volumetric quality of the figures created through the detailed, hatched lines, create a sense of space and depth. The intensity of feeling found in the faces of these figures expresses Dürer's style in its full maturity. Walter Strauss stated of this work, "this woodcut reveals Dürer's genius and inventive powers. He has transformed Christ into a gardener. The broad brim of his hat is turned up to reveal his entire face. The shiny blade of the transfigured Christ's spade reflects the rising 'sun of righteousness' that already brightens the landscape in the background, and is about to encompass the Magdalen. She is tempted to touch him, who is shown here in an unusual way - partially unclad, with an almost effeminate softness, gently turning her away. Three holy women are pictured in the distance, near the garden gate (Strauss 392)."

Created in 1612, this original woodcut is monogrammed in the woodblock 'AD' in the lower left. This work is from the Italian edition of 1612 with Italian text on verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Albrecht Dürer Noli Me Tangere (The Small Passion), 1612 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

  1. Bartsch. (1981). The Illustrated Bartsch Vol. 10. Edited by Walter L. Strauss. Abaris Books: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonnè no. 247.
  2. Kurth, Dr. Willi, The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, 1963, listed as plate 253 and discussed on page 31-2.
  3. Meder, Joseph, Dürer-Katalog, 1932. Listed and illustrated as cat no 156.
  4. Scheller, Robert W. and Karel G. Boon, The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer Hans Dürer and the Dürer School, 1971, Listed as cat no 156.
  5. Schoch, R., et al. (2002). Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk, Band II Holzschnitte und Holzschnittfolgen. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 217.
  6. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Albrecht Dürer Noli Me Tangere (The Small Passion), 1612 is museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.