The Man of Sorrows Standing c. 1500

Albrecht Dürer created this small, deeply moving engraving, "The Man of Sorrows Standing," around 1500. The composition is stark. We see Christ, crowned with thorns, standing vulnerably before the cross. Dürer's masterful use of line creates a striking contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the texture of Christ's skin and the rough wood of the cross. The density of the cross-hatching defines form and evokes a somber mood, with the skull at Christ's feet reminding us of mortality. The image is not just a religious depiction; it also reflects the philosophical currents of Dürer's time. The artist's meticulous attention to detail elevates the human form while reminding us of human suffering, a central theme in Renaissance thought. Dürer’s signature is prominent, underscoring the idea of the artist as an individual genius, a concept that was gaining traction during this period. It's a powerful statement, capturing both the sacred and the human with extraordinary precision.