Albrecht Dürer, The Bearing of the Cross (The Small Passion), 1612

Artist: Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528)
Title:The Bearing of the Cross (The Small Passion), 1612
Reference:B.37; K. 243; M.146; Str.122
Medium:Original Woodcut
Image Size:4 15/16 in x 3 3/4 in (12.5 cm x 9.5 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 right.
Condition:This work is in good condition; slight diagonal crease in the paper across lower left corner, barely visible from the front.
ID #w-4260

Historical Description

Noted Dürer scholar Walter L. Strauss praises this work:
"Of all Dürer's versions of this subject, this is the most remarkable. The emphasis is on the Saviour's supporting arm, as if his body was suspended from it. A great effort on his part is required to turn his head, as he looks with an expression of helplessness at Veronica tendering her kerchief…. The Virgin and St. John, in the background, seem unaware of the momentary predicament. Simon has taken hold of the rearmost beam of the cross; one of the henchmen is poking his club into Christ's back to urge him on, while the one leading the procession is carrying a basket with tools and nails. The High Priests Annas and Caiaphas are pictured on horseback." (374)

Created in 1612, this original woodcut is monogrammed in the woodblock 'AD' in the lower right. 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 catalogue raisonnè no. 37.

2) Kurth, Dr. Willi, The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, 1963, listed as plate 243 and discussed on page 31-2.

3) Meder, Joseph, Dürer-Katalog, 1932. Listed and illustrated as cat no 146.

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 146.

5) Schoch, R., et al. (2002). Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk, Band II Holzschnitte und Holzschnittfolgen. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 207.

6) Strauss, Walter L., Albrecht Dürer Woodcuts and Wood Blocks, 1980. Listed as cat no 122.

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.