Four Angels Holding Back the Winds

1546/1556

Jean Duvet

Associated Names
Jean Duvet

Artist, French, 1485 - c. 1570

This is a drawing featuring numerous figures and a large cross in a celestial and terrestrial scene. The drawing depicts a multitude of figures, both angelic and human, densely packed into the scene. Among the figures, several are winged and hold swords. At the top of the image, an angel holds a large cross, surrounded by clouds and other ethereal elements. Below, a great throng of individuals looks upwards, some with expressions of awe or supplication. The drawing is richly detailed, emphasizing the contrasts between the heavenly and earthly realms, adding depth and dimension to the depicted narrative.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of W.G. Russell Allen

  • Dimensions

    sheet ([irreg.] trimmed within plate mark): 30 × 21.4 cm (11 13/16 × 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1941.1.154

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Eisler 1979, no. 44, State only

  • Series Title

    Plate 6 from the Apocalypse

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

W. G. Russell Allen [1882 - 1955]; gift to NGA, 1941.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1979

  • Eisler, Colin. The Master of the Unicorn: The Life and Work of Jean Duvet. New York,1979.

Inscriptions

"IOHA / NNES / DV / VET / FAC" recto, on plate, on double-tablet at lower right. "HIST / CAP 7 / APOC" recto, on plate, on plaque at upper left. "No. 17. P505." recto, lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "11" recto, lower center margin, black ink, unknown hand. "11" [illeg?] recto, lower left margin, black ink, unknown hand.

Markings

"National Gallery of Art" verso, lower right margin, black stamped ink.

Wikidata ID

Q64958974

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