Basic Information

Historical Context

From Dürer's Small Passion series, depicting the Virgin Mary and disciples mourning over the dead body of Christ. The Lamentation was a central devotional subject in Northern European piety. [Inferred from Dürer Catalog] Visual Description The dead Christ lies on the ground, his body bearing the wounds of the crucifixion. The Virgin Mary cradles his head, her face contorted with grief. Mary Magdalene kneels at his feet. Other mourners stand behind. The composition emphasizes the physical reality of Christ's death. Artistic Analysis Dürer's Lamentation combines emotional intensity with careful observation of the human body. The Virgin's contorted expression and the mourners' gestures convey raw grief, while the depiction of Christ's wounds serves both devotional and documentary purposes.