Artwork

The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven

The Apocalypse:  The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven, by Jean Duvet, 1551
The Apocalypse:  The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven, by Jean Duvet, 1551

The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven 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. This engraving is one of 23 in a bound volume illustrating the Apocalypse, based on the Book of Revelation.

Accession no.
1953.213.20

About this work

Overview

This engraving is one of 23 in a bound volume illustrating the Apocalypse, based on the Book of Revelation. The series, the artist's magnum opus, took several years to complete.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a scene from the Book of Revelation, the print shows a dragon with two horns and a beast with seven heads, symbolizing evil forces as described in the biblical narrative.

Technique & Style

Characterized by crowded compositions and ornamental surface patterns, the work showcases Jean Duvet's idiosyncratic style, which blends Italian High Renaissance influences with a disregard for rational spatial representation.

History & Provenance

Part of a rare complete set (one of seven known), this print is from the oeuvre of Jean Duvet, a pioneering French printmaker of the 16th century, primarily active in Langres.

Context

Though working in a provincial setting, Duvet's exposure to Italian prints (notably Marcantonio Raimondi's) influenced his solidly modeled figures, distinguishing his work within early French printmaking.

Legacy

As one of the first major French printmakers, Duvet's innovative and highly personal style in this series contributes significantly to the development of 16th-century French art.

The Apocalypse:  An Innumerable Multitude Which Stand before the Throne
The Apocalypse: An Innumerable Multitude Which Stand before the Throne, Jean Duvet

Artist & collection

Artist

Jean Duvet

Jean Duvet (1485 – after 1562) was a French Renaissance goldsmith and engraver, now best known for his engravings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven?

The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven was painted by Jean Duvet in 1551.

Where can I see The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven?

The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven?

The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven?

Museum-quality prints of The Apocalypse: The Dragon with Two Horns and the Beast with Seven are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.