The Beast with the Seven Heads and the Beast with Lamb's Horns

The Beast with the Seven Heads and the Beast with Lamb's Horns by Albrecht Dürer is a seminal example of German Renaissance printmaking, executed in 1511. This powerful and complex image is classified as a woodcut, a medium Dürer utilized to great effect to capture the dramatic visions detailed in the Book of Revelation. The high contrast inherent in the woodcut technique enhances the terror and spiritual weight of the scene, illustrating the apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil.

This particular work is likely a plate from the second edition of Dürer's famous Apocalypse series, reissued around 1511. The composition depicts the horrifying ascent of the two Mythical Creatures: the seven-headed Beast rising from the sea and the Beast with lamb's horns, who commands the attention of the world. Human figures (Men) are shown witnessing these events, often reacting with awe or despair as the forces of the End Times are unleashed. Balancing the dark drama, celestial beings, or Angels, are sometimes included in the wider series, guiding or observing the events unfolding on Earth.

Dürer’s graphic skill in works like this transformed the market for mass-produced religious imagery across Europe. The printmaking format allowed for wide distribution, cementing Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent master of the graphic arts during the early 16th century. This impression of the monumental woodcut series resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a work from the early German Renaissance, many high-quality prints of this masterpiece are now accessible in the public domain, underscoring its historical importance and lasting artistic influence.