Who painted The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos?

The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos was painted by Jean Duvet in 1551.

Where can I see The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos?

The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos?

The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos?

Museum-quality prints of The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos

Jean Duvet , 1551

The Apocalypse: St. John on the Island of Patmos is a print by the Renaissance artist Jean Duvet. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1953.213.30
Credit line: Gift of the Hanna Fund

About this work

The artist spent many years working on a series of engravings like this one, which tells a story from the Bible.

This painting shows St. John on a rocky island, surrounded by water and trees. He's writing in a book, and there are strange creatures in the sky. The artist spent many years working on a series of engravings like this one, which tells a story from the Bible.

The details in the print are very intricate, with many lines and textures. You can learn more about this style by looking up the work of artist Jean Duvet (French, 1485–1561).

Overview

This engraving, part of a 23-piece series illustrating the Apocalypse from the Revelation of Saint John, showcases Jean Duvet's unique artistic voice. One of only seven complete sets known, it highlights Duvet's meticulous craftsmanship.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting St. John on the Island of Patmos, the print captures the saint in the act of writing, enveloped by a fantastical environment complete with strange celestial creatures, trees, and water, conveying the visionary nature of the biblical narrative.

Technique & Style

Characterized by intricate lines, rich textures, and crowded compositions, the print exemplifies Duvet's idiosyncratic style, which blends Italian High Renaissance influences with a distinct disregard for spatial rationality in favor of ornamental patterns.

History & Provenance

Created over several years, this series marks Duvet's magnum opus. Though based in Langres, Duvet's work reflects exposure to Italian art, notably through Marcantonio Raimondi's prints, making him a pivotal figure in early French printmaking.

Context

As one of the first major French printmakers, Duvet's work bridges provincial and broader European artistic trends of the 1500s, with this series demonstrating his ability to interpret biblical themes through a highly personal aesthetic.