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The Agony in the Garden

Print
1496-1497 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This print is one of a set of 12 woodcuts that tell the story of the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. The German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer transformed the narrative and expressive potential of printmaking. His 'Large Passion' series is a vivid and animated rendering of the gospel story.

In this scene Christ kneels and prays in the Garden of Gethsemane while his disciples sleep. In anguish he asks God whether he can be spared the coming ordeal, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me’. In the background soldiers, guided by Judas, are already advancing to arrest him.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • The Agony in the Garden (generic title)
  • The Large Passion (series title)
Materials and techniques
Woodcut on paper
Brief description
Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528); 'The Agony in the Garden' from the 'Large Passion' series; 1496-97; woodcut
Physical description
Black and white woodcut. Christ is depicted kneeling in the garden gesturing to an angel holding a chalice. Three diciples are shown sleeping and soldiers are entering the garden in the background
Dimensions
  • Height: 38.9cm
  • Width: 27.6cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Miss G. E. Carthew
Subjects depicted
Place depicted
Summary
This print is one of a set of 12 woodcuts that tell the story of the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ. The German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer transformed the narrative and expressive potential of printmaking. His 'Large Passion' series is a vivid and animated rendering of the gospel story.

In this scene Christ kneels and prays in the Garden of Gethsemane while his disciples sleep. In anguish he asks God whether he can be spared the coming ordeal, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me’. In the background soldiers, guided by Judas, are already advancing to arrest him.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
E.704-1940

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Record createdJune 15, 2005
Record URL
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