The Angel Shows Saint John the New Jerusalem
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, where an angel shows Saint John the New Jerusalem. In the foreground, Saint John is shown kneeling, looking up at the angel who points to the city. The angel is dressed in flowing robes and has large wings, while Saint John wears a simple tunic and holds a staff. The city in the background is depicted in intricate detail, with many buildings and towers visible. The overall mood of the engraving is one of wonder and awe, as Saint John gazes upon the heavenly city. The level of detail and texture in this engraving is impressive, with cross-hatching used to create depth and shading. To learn more about the techniques used in this engraving, look up the technique of cross-hatching.