Revelation of St. John: The Woman Clothed with the Sun

1511

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Revelation of St. John: The Woman Clothed with the Sun 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

The painting depicts a woman with wings and a crown, surrounded by a halo of light. She stands on a rocky outcropping, with a dragon-like creature at her feet. The scene is set against a backdrop of clouds and stars. In the foreground, the woman's robes are intricately detailed, with folds and creases that suggest a sense of movement. The dragon, on the other hand, appears to be in a state of turmoil, with its body twisted and contorted. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of the woman. The overall effect is one of drama and tension, as if the scene is unfolding before our eyes. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this painting, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.