Basic Information

Historical Context

A woodcut depicting Christ as the Man of Sorrows, showing the wounds of the Passion. This devotional image was among the most popular subjects in Northern European piety. [Inferred from Dürer Catalog] Visual Description Christ stands or sits, his body bearing the wounds of the crucifixion — the marks of the nails, the spear wound in his side, the crown of thorns. The expression is one of serene suffering. Angels may attend with instruments of the Passion. Artistic Analysis Dürer's Man of Sorrows exemplifies the Northern European tradition of devotional realism. The physical suffering of Christ is depicted with unflinching detail while maintaining the sacred dignity of the subject. The print served a devotional function, allowing private contemplation of Christ's sacrifice.