The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seals

probably c. 1496/1498

Albrecht Dürer

Associated Names
Albrecht Dürer

Artist, German, 1471 - 1528

This is a drawing of a scene featuring celestial and terrestrial elements. The upper portion of the image depicts a heavenly realm with figures, clouds, angels, and an altar. The sun and moon, both with human faces, shine down upon the scene. Stars or sparks descend from the heavens toward the earth below. The lower portion shows a landscape with gestures, vegetation, and animals, responding to the celestial activities above. The composition is detailed, with religious and fantastical motifs, suggesting an allegorical or apocalyptic narrative.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Baron Adalbert von Lanna [1836-1909], Prague, Bohemia (Lugt 2773)

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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