Artwork

Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John

Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511
Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511

Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom 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. Revelation of St.

About this work

Overview

Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John is a 1511 print by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent German Renaissance artist. It is part of a series illustrating the Book of Revelation.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the biblical martyrdom of St. John, as described in the Book of Revelation. The scene focuses on the moment of St. John's stabbing by a soldier, surrounded by a mixed crowd of armed individuals and onlookers.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed sharp lines and deep shadows to create a dramatic effect in this woodcut print. The composition's intense, cramped atmosphere is heightened by the contrast between light and dark, characteristic of chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Created in 1511, this work showcases Dürer's mastery of woodcut printing, a medium through which he initially gained European recognition before transitioning to engravings.

Context

The print reflects Dürer's interest in illustrating biblical themes, particularly from the Book of Revelation, catering to the religious and artistic tastes of his time.

Legacy

As part of Dürer's Revelation series, *Martyrdom of St. John* contributes to his enduring legacy in printmaking, influencing subsequent generations of artists with its technical and compositional innovations.

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.