The “Crucifixion” by Albrecht Durer is a religious painting dating back to 1511, crafted with oil on canvas. It is an artwork from the Northern Renaissance era, currently held within a private collection. The genre of the painting is religious, reflecting the intense spirituality and rich detailing typical of Dürer’s work and the Northern Renaissance style.
In this artwork, Dürer portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with a high level of detail and emotional intensity. Christ is the central figure, depicted on the cross, displaying the traditional INRI sign above his head, which stands for “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). Surrounding Christ are several figures who are emotionally involved in the scene, showing various expressions of sorrow and devotion. Their gestures and poses contribute to the narrative and emotional depth of the piece.
In the foreground, a skull is visible at the base of the cross, often interpreted as a symbol of Golgotha (the place of skulls where Christ was crucified) and a reminder of mortality. Attention to texture, drapery, and form is evident in the care Dürer took to depict the figures’ clothing and physical expressions. The composition, precision in line work, and the intensity of the scene are characteristic of Dürer’s approach to art, which often combined a deep religious sentiment with a meticulous and disciplined artistic technique.
