St. John Devouring the Book, from The Apocalypse

St. John Devouring the Book, from The Apocalypse, is a powerful early woodcut by the renowned German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Executed between 1496 and 1498, this print is one of fifteen dramatic illustrations Dürer created for his celebrated Apocalypse series, which brought him international fame. This particular work depicts the moment described in Revelation 10:9-10, where the Evangelist is commanded by an angel to consume the little scroll, symbolizing the internalization of divine prophecy.

Dürer's masterful technique transforms the traditionally humble medium of the woodcut. Printed in black ink on tan laid paper, the artist achieves a startling level of detail and dramatic light effects, leveraging the capabilities of relief printing to define the turbulent atmosphere. Created in Germany just before the turn of the 16th century, this piece reflects the widespread spiritual anxiety and intense religious fervor marking the close of the medieval era and the dawn of the Reformation.

This pivotal piece demonstrates Dürer’s synthesis of Northern European Gothic intensity with the classical naturalism he absorbed during his travels. The visionary quality of St. John Devouring the Book is emphasized by the monumental figures and dense linework characteristic of the artist’s early style. As one of the most significant early prints in Western art history, the work provides crucial insight into the religious print culture of Germany during this period. This particular impression of the print resides within the respected permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Prints of this influential work are widely reproduced and often enter the public domain.