The Beast with Two Horns like a Lamb

The Beast with Two Horns like a Lamb by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful example of German printmaking from the late fifteenth century. Created between 1496 and 1498, this compelling woodcut forms part of Dürer’s renowned Apocalypse series, illustrating scenes from the Book of Revelation. The series marked a revolutionary moment in the history of the illustrated book, bringing complex iconography and unparalleled artistic execution to a widespread audience during the period of 1401 to 1500.

This dramatic work depicts the false prophet described in Revelation 13:11, distinguished by its deceptive appearance. Although bearing two horns like a lamb, symbolizing innocence, the creature speaks like a dragon, wielding catastrophic power over humanity. Dürer’s innovative technique pushed the boundaries of the traditional woodcut medium. He employed a fine network of dense parallel lines and cross-hatching to achieve unprecedented levels of shadow, texture, and volumetric realism, transforming simple linear cuts into highly refined compositions. The detail achieved in these early The Beast with Two Horns like a Lamb prints was instrumental in establishing Dürer as the preeminent graphic artist of his age.

The broad dissemination of these woodcut prints throughout Europe contributed significantly to the growing fame of Dürer, a pivotal figure in the Northern Renaissance. The vivid imagery resonated deeply with contemporary religious anxieties surrounding the turn of the century, reflecting the cultural mindset of the time. This specific piece showcases the artist’s mastery in merging intricate detail with profound theological narrative. The historical importance of this German masterwork is recognized globally, and today, copies of these significant prints are widely accessible through the public domain. This impression of the piece currently resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.