The Babylonian Whore
Original title: The Babylonian Whore
kurzbeschreibung
The Babylonian Whore is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, depicting the biblical figure of the Whore of Babylon from the Book of Revelation. The scene shows the Whore seated on a multi-headed beast, surrounded by a crowd in contemporary dress, with angels and a dramatic sky overhead. The work is undated but reflects Dürer's mastery of the woodcut medium.
Description
The composition centers on a large, winged, dragon-like creature with multiple heads and horns, upon which the Whore sits holding a chalice. In the foreground, figures in early 16th-century clothing react with varied expressions, while in the background angels hover among clouds in a dramatic sky. Fire and smoke rise from a building on the left, and a landscape with mountains and a river stretches into the distance. The monochrome print is densely detailed, with intricate linework typical of Dürer's graphic style.
Context
Dürer created this woodcut as part of his Apocalypse series, first published in 1498 in Nuremberg. The series illustrated the Book of Revelation and was groundbreaking for its large-format, highly detailed prints that reached a wide audience. The work reflects the late medieval fascination with apocalyptic imagery and the Reformation-era interest in biblical themes. Dürer's innovative use of the woodcut technique helped elevate the medium from simple illustration to fine art.
Impact
The image conveys a sense of dramatic tension and moral urgency, drawing the viewer into the apocalyptic narrative. The contrast between the serene angels above and the chaotic, monstrous scene below heightens the emotional impact. Dürer's precise linework gives the print a powerful, graphic quality that remains striking to modern viewers.
Technique
This work is a woodcut, a relief printing technique where the image is carved into a wooden block, inked, and pressed onto paper. Dürer achieved remarkable detail and tonal variation through fine, cross-hatched lines and careful control of the carving. The use of monochrome ink emphasizes the interplay of line and form, showcasing Dürer's technical virtuosity.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)