Who painted The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns?

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns was painted by Jean Duvet in 1551.

Where can I see The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns?

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns?

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns?

Museum-quality prints of The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns

Jean Duvet , 1551

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns 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 left. "HIST. / CAP.1.4 [reversed]. / APOC" recto, on plate, on plaque at lower left. "B.26 / R-D 40 / R-D (XI) 40L" verso, in graphite, at lower center. "142 90" verso, in graphite, lower left. "42 93" verso, in black ink, lower center.
Markings: Marked:Friedrich August II (Lugt 972) recto, lower right corner, partial stamp in black ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, lower right, black stamped ink. "LJR" verso, lower right, black stamped ink.

About this work

Overview

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns is a 1551 engraving on laid paper by Jean Duvet, a pioneering French Renaissance goldsmith and printmaker. This densely detailed work exemplifies Duvet's characteristic style, blending crowded compositions with intense religious themes.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving visually interprets the apocalyptic beast from the Book of Revelation, depicting a fantastical creature with seven heads, some emerging from water, amidst a backdrop of clouds, buildings, and miniature human figures, conveying a sense of chaotic spirituality.

Technique & Style

Duvet employed sharp, busy lines and cross-hatching techniques to achieve dynamic contrasts of light and dark, creating a paradoxically chaotic yet meticulously planned visual landscape. This approach distinguishes his work from other Renaissance printmakers, emphasizing freedom and immediacy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1551, this piece is part of Duvet's oeuvre of approximately 73 plates. As the first significant French printmaker, Duvet's style, marked by a naive quality and religious intensity, has drawn comparisons to William Blake's work.

Context

Within the broader Renaissance art landscape, Duvet's engraving stands out for its naive, expressive quality, diverging from the more refined techniques prevalent during the period. Its religious themes reflect the era's strong spiritual influences on art.

Legacy

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns contributes to Duvet's legacy as a innovator in French printmaking, influencing subsequent artists with its expressive freedom and thematic depth, despite the relatively lesser-known status of his work compared to other Renaissance masters.