The acceptance of the cross

Unknown artist

Around 1509/10 Dürer designed the woodcut “Die Kreuzab15” as part of his“Kleinen Passion.” After Joseph of Arimathia was allowed to take the corpse of Christ off the cross due to the Passover of Pilate (cf. Schoch II.328,212), the faithful set to work. While a man pulls the nails out of the hands and feet of Christ, another stabilizes the body with a cloth. A third helper has risen to the ladder leaning on the cross to gently circumvent the lifeless upper body. The crown of thorns has already been deposited and inserted over the crossbar. The events are observed by mourners, among whom the faces of Mary and John are to be identified. The rich reception of woodcut is an expression of artistic appreciation.