The Martyrdom of Saint John

probably c. 1496/1498

Albrecht Dürer

Associated Names
Albrecht Dürer

Artist, German, 1471 - 1528

This is a drawing of figures gathered around a central event of a figure immersed in a large cauldron. The artwork features elaborate details and expressions. The drawing showcases a variety of characters in diverse attire. The central figure in the cauldron appears distressed, as someone tends to a fire beneath, while other figures surround them, some appearing as observers, others engaged in the proceedings. The background is adorned with architectural and decorative elements.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to block): 38.3 × 27.8 cm (15 1/16 × 10 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3564

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Meder, no. 164, State proof before letters

  • Series Title

    The Apocalypse

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Richard von Passavant-Gontard [1852-1923], Frankfurt. purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b and Lugt 1932d), 1929; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1971

  • Prints by Albrecht Durer, Birmingham Museum of Art, 1971.

Bibliography

1932

  • Meder, Joseph. Dürer-Katalog; ein Handbuch über Albrecht Dürers Stiche, Radierungen, Holzschnitte, deren Zustände, Ausgaben und Wasserzeichen. Vienna: Verlag Gilhofer und Ranschburg, 1932. Reprint. New York: Da Capo Press, 1971.

2001

  • Schoch, Rainer, Mattihas Mende, and Anna Scherbaum. Albrecht Dürer: Das druckgraphische Werk. Munich, 2001: vol. 2: no. 104.

Inscriptions

verso, bottom center, in graphite by a later hand: 10; bottom right, in graphite by a later hand: OC 4940 / B. 61

Watermarks

imperial orb (Meder 53)

Wikidata ID

Q18338533

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