Who painted Saint John Summoned to Heaven?

Saint John Summoned to Heaven was painted by Jean Duvet in 1551.

Where can I see Saint John Summoned to Heaven?

Saint John Summoned to Heaven is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint John Summoned to Heaven?

Saint John Summoned to Heaven is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint John Summoned to Heaven?

Museum-quality prints of Saint John Summoned to Heaven are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint John Summoned to Heaven

Jean Duvet , 1551

Saint John Summoned to Heaven is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jean Duvet. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:"IOHA / NNES / DV / VET / FAC" recto, on plate, on double-tablet at lower center. "HIST / CAP 4 / APOC / ET 5" recto, on plate, on plaque at lower right. "Duvet" verso, upper center, graphite, unknown hand. "WK goth P." verso, upper center right, graphite, unknown hand. "10131" verso, lower right, graphite, unknown hand.
Markings: Marked:Kupferstichkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Lugt 1608, and deaccession stamp, Lugt 2482), verso, lower center, brown stamped ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, center left, black stamped ink. "LJR" verso, center left, black stamped ink.

About this work

Overview

Saint John Summoned to Heaven is a 1551 engraving on laid paper by Jean Duvet, a prominent French Renaissance goldsmith and printmaker. This work exemplifies Duvet's characteristic style, marked by densely populated compositions and profound religious themes.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a pivotal religious moment: Saint John's ascension to heaven. A haloed, robed figure rises centrally, surrounded by angels and clouds, while a multitude of figures below react with varied gestures. The scene conveys spiritual ascent amidst earthly presence.

Technique & Style

Duvet employed cross-hatching to achieve depth and shading, evident in the sharp lines and deep shadows throughout. The composition is characteristic of his naive yet expressive approach, blending detailed, tiny figures with dramatic movement.

History & Provenance

Created in 1551, this engraving is part of Duvet's oeuvre of approximately 73 prints, securing his status as the first major French printmaker. Active from around 1485 to after 1562, Duvet's work is noted for its immediacy and expressive freedom.

Context

Duvet's emphasis on religious subjects and his distinctive artistic voice draw historical comparisons to later artists like William Blake, highlighting a shared intensity in spiritual themes and expressive technique.