Artwork
Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal
Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal 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 created 'Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal' in 1511, a print that showcases his skill in conveying dramatic scenes through detailed imagery.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a pivotal moment from the Book of Revelation, depicting the chaos and panic that ensues when the sixth seal is opened, as foretold by St. John.
Technique & Style
Dürer employed chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of turmoil, achieving this effect through the strategic use of black and white.
History & Provenance
As a prominent figure of the German Renaissance, Dürer was renowned for his expertise in printmaking, having gained recognition across Europe for his intricate woodcuts and engravings.
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)
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Revelation of St. John: St. John before the Throne
Revelation of St. John: Beast with Ram's Horns
Revelation of St. John: The Four Horsemen
Revelation of St. John: St. John Devouring the Books
Revelation of St. John: Four Angels Holding up the Winds
Revelation of St. John: St. John Beholding the Seven Candlesticks
Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John