5090 - Dürer, Albrecht

Dürer, Albrecht Christ on the Cross between Mary and John. Woodcut, probably historically colored and partially retouched. 21.4 x 13.7 cm. (1493). Not listed in Bartsch, Meder 179, Schoch/Mende/Scherbaum 264. This exceptionally rare woodcut was first used as a canon page in the “Opus Speciale missarum” (Johann Grüninger, Strasbourg), printed in 1493, and represents the most important evidence for Dürer’s presumed stay in Strasbourg during his journey as a journeyman. The sheet was not identified as a work by Dürer until 1905 and has since been almost unanimously regarded as one of the master’s earliest book woodcuts. Excellent, albeit slightly dry, print with a narrow margin around the border, which is missing at the bottom of the printing block. Slightly browned; on the reverse, remnants of mounting running along the edges, faintly visible on the obverse; a tiny tear in the margin on the left and at the top; otherwise in very good condition. We have been able to identify only one other copy on the auction market. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.