Christ Before Caiaphas 1512

Albrecht Dürer made this print, Christ Before Caiaphas, using the intaglio process of engraving. The artist cut lines into a copper plate; the deeper the gouge, the more ink it would hold. The image shows a moment of high drama, yet also a profound contrast between power and powerlessness. Caiaphas, the high priest, sits in judgment of Christ, who stands bound before him. The incredible detail achieved through engraving is everywhere on display: in the textures of the fabrics, the gleam of the armor, and the expressions on the faces of the figures. Dürer was a master of this medium. He elevated printmaking to a level approaching that of painting. The skill involved in creating such detail is astonishing, considering that every line had to be physically carved into the metal. By appreciating the labor and expertise involved, we can move beyond simply admiring the image, and recognize the value of craft in conveying powerful social messages.