The Angel with the Key to Bottomless Pit

"The Angel with the Key to Bottomless Pit" by Albrecht Dürer, executed as a woodcut in 1511, represents one of the highly dramatic scenes derived from the Book of Revelation. This powerful print belongs to the renowned series of fifteen illustrations known as the Apocalypse. The 1511 date marks the reissue of this definitive group of images, cementing Dürer's reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of the Northern Renaissance.

The composition focuses intensely on the celestial messenger, an angel descending from heaven, bearing the crucial instrument of divine judgment. This scene specifically references Revelation 20:1, where an angel is given "the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand." The key is prominently displayed, signifying the authority to bind Satan for a thousand years before the final judgment. Dürer masterfully utilizes the stark contrast inherent in the woodcut technique to achieve profound emotional impact, rendering detailed textures in the robes and the turbulent atmosphere surrounding the monumental figure.

This intricate work demonstrates Dürer’s innovative approach to graphic arts, using complex cross-hatching to create volume and depth rarely seen in earlier prints. His masterful line work transformed the traditional woodcut medium into a vehicle capable of intense psychological expression. The wide circulation of these prints across Europe made Dürer arguably the first celebrity artist whose work, including this image, became highly influential. As a result of its age and cultural importance, this work is frequently available today as public domain artwork. This specific impression is held in the comprehensive collection of prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.