Pentecost, from "The Small Passion"
Original title: Pentecost, from "The Small Passion"
kurzbeschreibung
Albrecht Dürer's woodcut 'Pfingsten' (Pentecost) belongs to the 'Kleine Passion', a series made around 1510. It shows the Holy Spirit descending upon the gathered apostles and disciples, symbolized by a dove at the heart of the image.
Description
A dove hovers at the centre, surrounded by a halo of rays. Below, a crowd of men presses together in varied poses: some seated, others standing upright, still others seemingly in motion. Dürer renders every detail of their traditional garments with great precision. The arrangement feels balanced, with the dove as the calm focal point. Crisp, precise lines define the print—a hallmark of woodcut.
Context
Between 1509 and 1511, the 'Kleine Passion' was created, comprising 37 woodcuts that narrate the life and suffering of Christ. Dürer produced the series in Nuremberg, where he worked as a respected artist. The prints were intended for a broad audience and often appeared in book form. The Pentecost motif was widespread in Christian art and underscores the founding of the Church through the Holy Spirit.
Impact
The symmetrical layout and the dove at the centre give the print a calm, solemn aura. Delicate lines and careful shading create a dense, almost meditative mood that draws the viewer into the biblical event.
Technique
The sheet measures approximately 12.7 x 12.1 cm, and the scene is arranged in a compact, nearly square field around the hovering dove. Dürer's clear, precise linework fills the format evenly, giving the small composition a concentrated balance typical of the series.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)