The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seal

1498

Albrecht Dürer

Associated Names
Albrecht Dürer

Artist, German, 1471 - 1528

This is a detailed drawing of a celestial scene with symbolic imagery. The upper section shows angels and celestial figures around a central altar. Below, there are cascading stars or comets. Two large celestial bodies, a sun with a face on the left and a moon with a face on the right, frame the scene. The lower part contains figures amidst rocky terrain, possibly reacting to the event above, with some shielding their eyes or appearing distressed.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 16 artworks
This is an image of an ornate calligraphic title. The drawing features text that reads "Apocalipsis cum Figuris" in a gothic and elaborate calligraphic style. The letters are adorned with intricate flourishes and decorative elements. The background is a plain, slightly textured, off-white paper that serves as a backdrop to the detailed black ink calligraphy. The overall presentation appears historical and possibly influenced by medieval manuscript titles, emphasizing the decorative nature of early book typography.

Title Page

Albrecht Dürer

1498

The Apocalypse of Saint John

Albrecht Dürer

1498

This is a drawing of a scene with various figures surrounding a character in a cauldron. The black and white line drawing shows multiple figures in detailed clothing gathered around the central character seated in the cauldron being heated by wood. The characters are dressed in period attire with different expressions, creating a sense of drama and tension. The background includes intricate architectural details, resembling a medieval cityscape. The drawing showcases technical skill in rendering fabric folds, facial expressions, and architectural details, with a style reminiscent of classical or Renaissance art.

The Martyrdom of Saint John

Albrecht Dürer

1498

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Carl Gaa [1871-c.1925], Mannheim; (his sale, Boerner, 6 May 1926, no. 436); acquired by Félix Somary [1881-1956], Zurich, via Joseph Meder; by descent to heirs of Somary; Gustav Laube; by descent to the heirs of Laube; (August Laube, Zurich); purchased by NGA, 2008.

Associated Names

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. 116.

Wikidata ID

Q18338537

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