Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John

1511

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Revelation of St. John: Martyrdom of St. John 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 print shows a chaotic, crowded scene with a man in the center being stabbed by a soldier. Around him, a mix of people—some holding weapons, others looking on—fill the space. Buildings and a balcony packed with more figures loom in the background, while a large pot and scattered tools lie on the ground. Notice how the artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to create drama. The scene feels cramped and intense, like a moment frozen in time. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how light and dark contrast work in art.