Saint Michael Fighting the Dragon, from "The Apocalypse"

Saint Michael Fighting the Dragon, from "The Apocalypse" by Albrecht Dürer, is a seminal example of German Renaissance printmaking, executed as a woodcut in 1498. This powerful image is the tenth scene in Dürer’s revolutionary series of fifteen large-format illustrations dedicated to the Book of Revelation. The visual narrative presented in this woodcut draws directly from the biblical apocalyptic visions, capturing the dramatic confrontation between heavenly forces and evil.

The intricate composition depicts Saint Michael, the archangel, ascending triumphantly amidst a chaotic celestial battle. Michael is rendered in detailed armor, employing the precision of a bow and arrow while confronting the monstrous seven-headed dragon below. The inclusion of these contemporary weapons, along with the detailed depiction of the dragon, injects immediate drama into the religious narrative. Dürer’s technical skill redefined the limits of the woodcut medium, showcasing intricate line work and dynamic movement rarely achieved previously in this classification of print. The dramatic contrast of light and shadow emphasizes the terrifying scale of the conflict against the backdrop of swirling clouds and the divine city.

The initial publication of Dürer’s Apocalypse series solidified his international reputation and profoundly influenced the visual tradition of depicting biblical prophecy across Europe. The technical innovation and narrative power of these prints ensured their rapid and widespread dissemination, making copies highly valued in collections worldwide. As such, these historically significant prints are often foundational works in public domain archives. This impression of Saint Michael Fighting the Dragon resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a crucial moment in the history of German Renaissance art.