Agony in the Garden or Christ on the Mount of Olives

1508

German, Nuremberg 1471-1528

The 'Engraved Passion' series (1508-12) consists of fifteen plates of the same size, addressing the events that led to the death of Jesus Christ. Dürer treated the same theme in two woodcut series, but never more compactly and intensely than here. Some of the engraved editions were bound with prayers into books, and Dürer sold other prints from the series individually.

The Agony in the Garden is the first in the series. In his loneliest and most human moment, Christ prays to God the Father to spare him from death. Nearby, the three disciples who have promised to wait with him have fallen asleep.

Engraving

8 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (22.2 x 15.9 cm)

Gift of Mrs. John C. Atwood, Jr.

54.150

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Durer, Rembrandt, and Goya: Old Masters Prints from the Seattle Art Museum Collection", May 31, 2001 - January 1, 2002 (5/31/2001 - 1/1/2002)

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