Artwork
The Apocalypse: St. Michael and the Dragon
The Apocalypse: St. Michael and the Dragon is a print by the Renaissance artist Jean Duvet. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This engraving, part of a 23-piece series illustrating the Apocalypse from the Revelation of Saint John, showcases Jean Duvet's distinctive artistic voice. The series, a culmination of years of work, is considered his magnum opus, with the museum's copy being one of only seven complete sets known to exist.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting a pivotal moment from Christian eschatology, the engraving illustrates St. Michael's battle with a dragon, drawing narrative inspiration directly from biblical text.
Technique & Style
Duvet's style, influenced by Italian High Renaissance printmakers like Marcantonio Raimondi, combines solidly modeled figures with a unique, artificial aesthetic. Characteristic of his work are densely packed compositions that prioritize ornamental surface patterns over spatial logic, with techniques such as chiaroscuro employed to enhance depth and contrast.
History & Provenance
Created over several years, this series marks a highlight of Duvet's career as one of France's pioneering printmakers of the 16th century. Despite working in provincial Langres, his access to circulated Italian prints broadened his artistic scope.
Context
Emerging from 16th-century France, Duvet's work reflects the era's cross-cultural artistic exchanges, blending Italian Renaissance influences with a distinctly French, idiosyncratic approach to composition and ornamentation.
Legacy
As a seminal figure in French printmaking, Duvet's innovative style and technical prowess have left a lasting impact on the development of European print art, with this Apocalypse series standing as a testament to his enduring influence.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Duvet (1485 – after 1562) was a French Renaissance goldsmith and engraver, now best known for his engravings.
The Apocalypse: The Angel Gives St. John the Book to Eat
The Apocalypse: The Angel Shows St. John the New Jerusalem
The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven
The Apocalypse: St. John Summoned to Heaven
The Apocalypse: The Measurement of the Temple
The Apocalypse: The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns
The Apocalypse: St. John Sees the Four Riders
The Apocalypse: Satan Bound for a Thousand Years
The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos
The Apocalypse: The Woman Clothed with the Sun
The Apocalypse: The Angel in the Sun Calling the Birds of Prey