Albrecht Dürer, Pilate Washing His Hands (The Small Passion), 1612

Artist: Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528)
Title:Pilate Washing His Hands (The Small Passion), 1612
Reference:B.36; K.242; M.145; Str.121
Medium:Woodcut
Image Size:4 7/8 in x 3 7/8 in (12.6 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 1/4 in x 21 in (56.5 cm x 53.3 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-4252

Historical Description

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 ornate architectural forms. The quality of line work and solid border indicate the extreme care used in producing this print. As stated by Walter L. Strauss, "In its composition and architectural elements, this sheet is the counterpart of "Christ Before Caiaphas." Pilate has obviously made an irreversible decision. His "washing his hands of it," takes up more than half of the picture area, whereas the portion showing Christ being hurriedly led away is treated as a thing apart, clearly separated from the concurrent action" (Strauss, 350.)

Created in 1612, this 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:

This work 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 bcatalogue raisonnè no. 36.

2) Kurth, Dr. Willi, The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, 1963, listed as plate 242 and discussed on page 31-2.

3) Meder, Joseph, Dürer-Katalog, 1932. Listed and illustrated as cat no 145.

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 145 on pg. 124.

5) Schoch, R., et al. (2002). Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk, Band II Holzschnitte und Holzschnittfolgen. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 206 on pg. 317-8.

6) Strauss, Walter L., Albrecht Dürer Woodcuts and Wood Blocks, 1980. Listed as cat no 121 on pgs. 372-3.

7) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:

Museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.