Description:Created in 1510, this piece is one of thirty six images Dürer created to illustrate a volume entitled the Small Passion. The artist’s initials are engraved in the woodblock in the lower center along with the date along the upper border. This is a proof impression prior to the Latin edition of 1511.
Saint Veronica is shown here, accompanied by Christ’s holy disciples, Peter and Paul on either side. Before them, they hold Veronica’s handkerchief with a miraculous image of Christ’s face – according to Christian belief, Veronica was a pious woman who grieved alongside Christ and walked with him as he carried the cross to the city of Golgotha where it was to be placed. She had given him her handkerchief to wipe his brow and in turn, an image of his face had been imprinted on the cloth. Considered to be one of the miracles of the Small Passion series, this work evokes a sense of awe, inspiration, and curiosity unlike any other Dürer woodcut.
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 I will enclose with the sale of the work):
1. Barlow, T.D., Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, Penguin Books: London, 1948. Listed and illustrated as plate 66 and discussed on pg. 23.
2. Kupfertiche, Eisenradierungen und Kaltnadelblatter, Albrecht Dürer Das Druckgraphische Werk, Vol. II, Prestel Verlag: Munich, 2001. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 208 on pgs. 321-22.
3. Kurth, Dr. Willi, The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer, Dover Publications: New York, 1963. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 244 and discussed on pg. 30.
4. Meder, Joseph. Dürer-Katalog, Verlag Gilhofer & Ranschburg: Vienna, 1932. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 147 on pg. 143.
5. Pawlak, Manfred. Albrecht Dürer 1471 bis 1528. Listed and illustrated as plate 1614.
6. Scheller, Robert W. and Boon, Karel G. The Graphic Art of Albrecht Dürer, Hans Dürer and The Dürer School, Vangendt & Co: Amsterdam, 1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 146 on pg. 125.
7. Strauss, Walter L. Albrecht Dürer Woodcuts and Wood Blocks, Abaris Books, Inc.: New York, 1980. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 141 on pgs. 412-3.
About the Framing:
This work is mounted in an elaborate gold moulding, inspired by Renaissance and Baroque motifs. The gold leaf detailing around the entirety of the frame serve to accent Dürer’s artistry with The Last Judgment. Set behind an archival, Plexiglass cover and mounted on white, linen-wrapped mats, all materials are used with conservation standards in mind.
