The Seven Angels with the Trumpets

probably c. 1496/1498

Albrecht Dürer

Associated Names
Albrecht Dürer

Artist, German, 1471 - 1528

This is a drawing of a celestial and apocalyptic scene featuring angels, a divine figure, and elements of nature in upheaval. The artwork depicts angels with trumpets, heavenly clouds, and a central bearded figure radiating light. Elements of chaos are illustrated with overarching dramatic lines and shadows, including a fiery explosion, churning waves in the sea, a boat amidst turmoil, and celestial symbols such as a sun with a face. The style of the artwork resembles a detailed woodcut, reminiscent of Dürer's work, showcasing meticulous linework and Gothic influences.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to block): 39.5 × 28.2 cm (15 9/16 × 11 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1971.39.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Meder, no. 170

  • Series Title

    The Apocalypse

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., London); purchased by NGA, 1971.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1974

  • NGA Recent Acquisitions 1974, no. 79.

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. 118.

Inscriptions

verso, lower right, in graphite by a later hand: 7 [encircled]; bottom right, in graphite by a later hand: B-25,765

Markings

verso, bottom left corner: NGA stamp

Wikidata ID

Q18338540

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