Engraved copies of The Little Passion 1485 - 1699

Albrecht Dürer created this engraving, part of "The Little Passion" series, in the early 16th century, during a time of immense religious and social upheaval in Europe with the rise of the Reformation. Dürer, positioned as a bridge between the medieval and the modern, grapples with representing biblical narratives in a rapidly changing world. Look closely and you'll notice the artist's attempts to humanize religious icons and stories, making them relatable to the everyday person, which mirrors the broader shift toward individualism that characterized the Renaissance. This work reflects Dürer’s deep engagement with the religious and cultural anxieties of his time, navigating the complexities of faith, identity, and representation in a world on the cusp of dramatic transformation. It invites us to reflect on how we, too, negotiate our beliefs and values in the face of change.