Albrecht Dürer Depicted the Book of Revelations in his 15 paged woodcut, “Apocalypse.” This book would bring fame to Dürer all across Europe. The “Book of Revelations” is a title heard by many, known for its incredibly dramatic and frightening tone. Written by John, it is the final book in the new testament in the Christian holy bible. This book is widely known for its depiction and description of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” The Four Horsemen may be the most recognisable and iconic piece from Dürer’s booklet, as shown below.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Originally, Apocalypse was cut onto pearwood, amongst 15 woodcuts and of course, printed beautifully in black and white. The booklet was 15 pages in length, respectfully, although, Dürer initially planned to include every scene from the book. The earlier woodcuts by Dürer were depicted unrealistically, later on, they were to be recreated following his travels to Italy. Travelling to Italy enabled Dürer to combine the iconography of the bible and early ideology with his art skills. This aided him throughout the final products to appear more realistic, practical, and expressive. Dürer depicted the images beautifully, the black and white almost complementing the imagery.
The Whore of Babylon
There have been speculations as to the depictions of Dürer’s images. I’ve shared the pieces “Opening of the Seventh Seal” and “The Whore of Babylon.” It’s been speculated the turbaned figures in “The Whore of Babylon” are being seduced by the woman. This results in subjecting them to the Apocalypse. She appears to be represented as a dangerous figure, with the monsters by her side, as if implying that falling for her could be catastrophic.
Through my own observation, “Opening of the Seventh Seal” is a lot to unpack. The angels and the screaming eagle display a strong sense of triumph and a warning, conveying their message to the vast world below. It definetly delivers the energy of an approaching apocalypse or an approaching end.
Opening the Seventh Seal
Sources:
http://www.albrechtdurer.org/opening-of-the-seventh-seal/