The Angel Shows Saint John the New Jerusalem

Duvet employs fine cross‑hatching to model forms and suggest depth, a hallmark of his printmaking. The engraving’s texture and intricate line work render the angel’s flowing robes, expansive wings, and the myriad towers of the city. The overall handling conveys a sense of immediacy and a slightly naïve, densely packed composition.

Jean Duvet, recognized as one of France’s earliest significant printmakers, produced roughly 73 plates during his career. This work belongs to his series of intensely religious images, reflecting his background as a goldsmith and his commitment to devotional subjects. The print has survived in several collections, attesting to its continued scholarly interest.

Created during the French Renaissance, the engraving aligns with the period’s heightened focus on biblical narratives and the use of print to disseminate religious ideas. Duvet’s approach, marked by crowded scenes and a direct, unmediated style, anticipates later visionary artists such as William Blake, though rooted firmly in mid‑16th‑century French art.