Artwork

Revelation of St. John: Four Angels Holding up the Winds

Revelation of St. John: Four Angels Holding up the Winds, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511
Revelation of St. John: Four Angels Holding up the Winds, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511

Revelation of St. John: Four Angels Holding up the Winds 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: Four Angels Holding up the Winds is a print created in 1511. It is a representation of a scene from the Book of Revelation, showcasing Dürer's skill in conveying dramatic and complex themes through his work.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts four angels restraining the winds, as described in the Book of Revelation. The angels are shown in a tense pose, with outstretched arms and strained faces, conveying a sense of effort and drama.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Dürer's expertise in using chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume. The print's intricate details and dynamic composition reflect the artist's mastery of Renaissance artistic principles.

History & Provenance

Created by a prominent figure of the German Renaissance, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Dürer's work was widely recognized in his twenties, and he maintained connections with major Italian artists throughout his career.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.