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ARTIST: Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)
TITLE: Christ before Herod (The Small Passion) [B.32; K.238; M.141; H.138; B&S 32]
MEDIUM: Original Woodcut
IMAGE SIZE: 5" x 3 7/8" (12.7cm x 9.9cm)
FRAMED SIZE: 22 ¾" x 21 ½" (57.79cm x 54.61cm)
SIGNED: The artist's monogrammed initials appear in the plate on the slate seen in the central portion of the image, just below the engraved date of 1509.
EDITION: An artist's proof impression prior to the book edition of 1511.
CONDITION: Very good condition, a bold impression throughout.
PRICE: $5,250

DISCUSSION:
Offering a very strong impression, this work represents the unparalled talent of the old master Albrecht Dürer, which is evidenced in the extremely delicate use of line and realistic representation of volume and perspective.

Created in 1509, this piece is one of thirty six images Dürer created to illustrate a volume entitled The Small Passion. This work is an artist's proof impression prior to the book edition of 1511 and features the artist's monogrammed initials in the plate in the lower center.

While the sheer quality of detail represents Dürer's unequaled talent, it is most remarkably displayed by the delicate folds of cloth as well as in the individualized representation of each figure. For each line seen within the print the artist removed the wood surrounding the area, this is particularly arresting when examining the vaulted ceiling and shaded areas seen to the left of the image. The quality of line work and solid border indicate the extreme care used in producing this print.

Of this print Strauss has stated, "the artist has captured this moment of anxiety on the part of Herod Antipas. The figure of Christ is imposing, his height emphasized by the arch above him, quite in contrast to the smallness of his appearance in the preceding sheet (Christ before Pilate)" (Strauss, 364).

CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ & COA: It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work):
1) Barlow, T.D., Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, 1948, listed as plate 60 and discussed on page 23.
2) Holzschnitte & Holzschnittfolgen. Albrecht Dürer - Das Druckgraphische Werk, Band II, New York, 2002. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 202 on pgs. 311-12.
3) Kurth, Dr. Willi, The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, 1963, listed as plate 238 and discussed on page 30.
4) Lugt, Fritz. Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d'Estampes - Supplément, Alan Wofsy Fine Arts: San Francisco, 1988. Collector's stamp listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1207a on pg. 174.
5) Meder, Joseph. Dürer-Katalog, Vienna, 1932. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 141 on pg. 140.
6) Pawlak, Manfred, et. al. Albrecht Dürer, 1471 bis 1528. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 1608.
7) Strauss, Walter, L., Albrecht Dürer Woodcuts and Wood Blocks, listed as plate 117 on page 364.
8) Scheller, Robert W. and Boon, Karel G., The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer, Hans Dürer and The Dürer School, listed on page 112 and page 122 as plate 141.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Conservation framed with museum quality, archival materials, this work is float-mounted on linen in an ornate black and gold leaf frame. The finely carved vegetal details of the Spanish-style moulding compliment linear elements in this work. The bright gold reflection of light in the frame and the deep shadows created by the sculptural relief, accentuate the contrast in this work. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.

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