Christ's Entrance into Jerusalem, from The Passion of Christ, plate 2

Art Historical Context

Grégoire Huret’s engraving *Christ’s Entrance into Jerusalem* captures a pivotal moment from the Christian narrative, showing Jesus riding a donkey amid a welcoming crowd waving palms. Created in 1664 as the second plate in Huret’s series *The Passion of Christ*, the print reflects the Baroque era’s emphasis on dramatic storytelling and emotional engagement with biblical themes. Huret, a skilled French printmaker, used precise line work to convey movement and expression, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of humility and triumph. As an engraving, this work highlights the importance of printmaking in 17th-century Europe. Such prints allowed religious imagery to reach wider audiences beyond churches and elite collections, serving both devotional and educational purposes. The medium’s fine details—evident in the textured crowd and architectural elements—demonstrate Huret’s technical mastery in translating complex scenes onto copper plates. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this sheet (measuring approximately 50.5 by 36 cm) forms part of a larger exploration of Christ’s final days. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1953, it offers modern visitors a window into how Baroque artists blended faith, artistry, and accessible reproduction.

About the Artist

Grégoire Huret · 1606–1670

French draftsman and printmaker. Comment on works: Engraver & draftsman