Artwork
Revelation of St. John

Revelation of St. John is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer’s *Revelation of St. John* is a 1511 print produced during the height of the German Renaissance. It forms part of a larger group of images that visually interpret the apocalyptic visions described in the biblical Book of Revelation, showcasing Dürer’s sustained interest in scriptural subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts scenes drawn from the final book of the New Testament, portraying the prophetic symbols and dramatic events that characterize John’s vision of the end times. By rendering these complex theological motifs, Dürer engages viewers in a visual meditation on divine judgment and cosmic transformation.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image reflects Dürer’s advanced command of the medium, building on his earlier reputation for woodcut production and his later experiments with engraving. The composition combines precise line work with intricate shading, demonstrating the artist’s skill in rendering texture, depth, and atmospheric tension within a single plate.
History & Provenance
Created in 1511, the print was circulated among collectors and patrons interested in both devotional imagery and the burgeoning market for reproducible art. While specific ownership records are sparse, the piece has been documented in several early catalogues of Dürer’s oeuvre, confirming its place within his documented series on Revelation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)


![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)













