Saint Michael Fighting the Dragon, from "The Apocalypse"
Original title: Saint Michael Fighting the Dragon, from "The Apocalypse"
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1511, depicts the archangel Michael battling a dragon as described in the Book of Revelation. It is part of Dürer's famous Apocalypse series, which illustrates scenes from the biblical text.
Description
The composition centers on Saint Michael, who thrusts a sword at a large, multi-tailed dragon with wings. Several other angels, dressed in flowing robes and bearing weapons, join the fight in the background. Below, a landscape with trees, hills, and a river grounds the scene, while the monochrome palette and even lighting are characteristic of woodcut prints.
Context
Dürer published the Apocalypse series in 1498, with this particular impression from 1511, when he reissued the work. The series was groundbreaking for its time, as it was the first book both designed and printed by an artist. Dürer's woodcuts reflect the late medieval and Renaissance interest in apocalyptic themes, influenced by the religious tensions of the era.
Impact
The image conveys a dramatic sense of cosmic struggle, with the dynamic poses of the angels and the dragon creating a powerful visual impact. The intricate linework of the woodcut adds texture and depth, drawing the viewer into the biblical narrative.
Technique
This is a woodcut, a relief printing technique where the image is carved into a wooden block, inked, and transferred to paper. Dürer's masterful use of fine lines and cross-hatching demonstrates his exceptional skill in rendering detail and shading within the medium's constraints.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)