Artwork
Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal

Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1922.94.6
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer created 'Revelation of St. John: Opening of the Sixth Seal' in 1511, a print that showcases his skill in conveying dramatic scenes through detailed imagery.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a pivotal moment from the Book of Revelation, depicting the chaos and panic that ensues when the sixth seal is opened, as foretold by St. John.
Technique & Style
Dürer employed chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of turmoil, achieving this effect through the strategic use of black and white.
History & Provenance
As a prominent figure of the German Renaissance, Dürer was renowned for his expertise in printmaking, having gained recognition across Europe for his intricate woodcuts and engravings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)


![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)














