Revelation of St. John: Beast with Ram's Horns

1511

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Revelation of St. John: Beast with Ram's Horns is a 1511 by Albrecht Dürer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Albrecht Dürer
When & what style?: 1511 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a chaotic scene with a crowned figure floating in the sky, surrounded by rays. Below, a beast with ram’s horns and a lion’s body stands over a group of people, some hiding, others pointing. Angels with wings hover in the corners, while a goat-like creature watches from the side. The artist packed a lot into the small space—every figure and creature seems to have a role in this dramatic moment. The lines are sharp, and the shading creates deep shadows. Next, look up Albrecht Dürer to see how he used this style in other works.