The Beast with Two Horns LIke a Lamb

The Beast with Two Horns LIke a Lamb is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1498. Executed on laid paper, this print is one of the pivotal works in Dürer’s renowned Apocalypse series, published during a period of intense millenarian anticipation preceding the turn of the century. This dramatic graphic work showcases the artist’s unparalleled technical command over the woodblock medium, redefining the possibilities of relief printing in the late 15th century. It stands as a prime example of German graphic art during the period spanning 1401 to 1500.

The composition depicts the terrifying vision described in the Book of Revelation (13:11-17), where the False Prophet, the second Beast, compels the populace to worship the image of the first Beast. Dürer visualizes the Beast rising from the earth, appearing deceptively gentle with its lamb-like horns, yet possessing the authoritative voice of the Dragon. The precision and complexity Dürer achieved in his woodcuts marked a significant shift; the careful use of cross-hatching and modeling lends the piece the tonal depth typically reserved for copperplate engraving. This technique allowed Dürer to convey the intense religious anxiety and apocalyptic dread prevalent in Europe at the time.

This powerful representation highlights Dürer’s ability to merge intricate detail with monumental narrative impact. The wide circulation of the Apocalypse series, made possible by the affordability of prints, cemented Dürer’s reputation across Europe and profoundly influenced subsequent generations of printmakers. This particular impression of the work resides within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major masterwork from the Northern Renaissance, the image continues to be studied extensively today, frequently available through public domain resources, ensuring its continued relevance for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.