Description:Created c. 1510, this early woodcut is from the series ‘The Small Passion’ printed on a fine laid paper. A fine dark lifetime proof impression before the Latin text edition with thread margins, this work is monogrammed in the block ‘AD’ in the lower left hand side of the work. The original wood block is in the British Museum, London.
Full of expressive and emotive imagery, this piece depicts the Ascension from the perspective of those looking on. Focusing on the utter awe of the moment, Dürer’s skill in depicting the human form is apparent in this work.
Composed of complex line work and detailed value transitions, this work depicts Dürer’s technical mastery and skill in his figurative studies. The volumetric quality of this work is created through detailed hatched lines which overlap each other in varied degrees to create lighter and darker values. Depicting the figures down to the finest detail, intricate details are found in the folds of the fabric, the feet of the figure in the lower right, and in the hair of many of the figures. The intensity of feeling found in the faces of the figures expresses Dürer’s style in its full maturity.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work):
1. Barlow, T.D. (1948). Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. Listed and illustrated as plate 78 and discussed on page 24.
2. Kurth, W. (1963). The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. Dover Publications, Inc.: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 256 with details on pgs. 30-31.
3. Meder, J. (1932). Dürer-Katalog. Verlag Gilhofer & Ranschburg: Wien. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 159 on pg. 149.
4. Pawlak, M. Albrecht Dürer 1471 bis 1528, Vol. 2. Listed and illustrated as plate 1626.
5. Scheller, R. W. & Boon, K. G. (1971). The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer, Hans Dürer and The Dürer School. Vangendt & Co.: Amsterdam. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 159 on pg. 131.
6. Schoch, R., et al. (2002). Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk, Band II Holzschnitte und Holzschnittfolgen. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 220 on pgs. 340-1.
7. Strauss, W. L. (1980). Albrecht Dürer Woodcuts and Woodblocks. Abaris Books: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 134 on pgs. 398-9.
About the Framing:
This work is float mounted in an ornate, Spanish-style frame. The brilliant hues of bright gold and deep shadows created when light illuminates the moulding, accentuates the strong contrast in this work. The sculptural details accentuate the intricate line work in this piece. Completed with white linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
