Christ Entering Jerusalem (from The Small Passion series)
Print, woodcut on paper • Albrecht Dürer (1571-1528)
Style & Movement
Northern Renaissance
Medium & Technique
Woodcut; relief printing using carved wood blocks with intricate line-work and cross-hatching to define volume and light
Creation Period
Circa 1508-1511
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12.7 x 9.7 cm (image size); vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
Biblical narrative of Christ's entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, surrounded by a crowd of followers and onlookers. A palm tree is visible on the left, and Jerusalem's architecture is in the background. Christ is depicted with a cruciform halo, raising his hand in blessing.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering age); requires physical inspection of paper margins and verso to determine specific edition/state
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $4,500 (depending on the specific edition and paper quality)
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $3,500
Provenance History
Likely part of a full 'Small Passion' book or folio; various private collections or printsellers throughout the 17th-20th centuries
Art Historical Significance
A key work from Dürer's Small Passion, which influenced Christian iconography for centuries. This series demonstrated his mastery of the woodcut medium, making high-quality art accessible to a wider European public through mass printing.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic AD monogram in the upper right. The density of the hatching in the background and Christ's drapery are characteristic of Dürer's mature graphic style.
Condition Issues
Potential foxing (brown spots), possible trimming of margins, slight yellowing of paper due to light exposure, and potential drying of ink
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free, archival materials; protect from direct UV light; maintain stable humidity (45-55%) to prevent paper degradation