Artwork

Revelation of St. John: The Four Destroying Angels

Revelation of St. John: The Four Destroying Angels, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511
Revelation of St. John: The Four Destroying Angels, by Albrecht Dürer, 1511

Revelation of St. John: The Four Destroying Angels 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: The Four Destroying Angels is a 1511 print by Albrecht Dürer, a pivotal figure in the German Renaissance. This work is part of a series based on the Book of Revelation, showcasing Dürer's expertise in printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene of divine judgment, with four angelic figures engaged in a sky battle, accompanied by the destruction of a city below. The contrast between the serene, floating throne above and the turmoil below underscores the themes of judgment and chaos.

Technique & Style

Executed solely in black lines and shading, the print demonstrates Dürer's mastery of chiaroscuro, achieving depth through the manipulation of light and shadow. The intricate details in both the figures and the cityscape highlight the precision of his craft.

History & Provenance

Created in 1511, the print is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Dürer's widespread European recognition for his detailed woodcuts and engravings.

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.