The Beast with Two Horns Like a Lamb, from "The Apocalypse", Latin Edition

The Beast with Two Horns Like a Lamb, from "The Apocalypse", Latin Edition by Albrecht Dürer, is a dramatic woodcut executed between 1506 and 1516. This print forms part of Dürer’s foundational series illustrating the biblical Book of Revelation, which revolutionized graphic arts during the German Renaissance. The issuance of the Latin Edition reflects the extensive international demand for Dürer’s religious narratives across Europe, demonstrating the artist’s early success as a truly transnational figure.

The subject is drawn from Revelation 13, depicting the false prophet who compels humanity to worship the first beast, the Dragon. Dürer’s expert command of the woodcut medium allows him to convey both terror and theological depth; the scene is intensely detailed, focusing on the beast with the deceptively gentle appearance of a lamb but speaking with the authority of a dragon. In the lower registers, various men react to the ominous spectacle, either kneeling in forced reverence or recoiling from the inferno summoned by the beast’s dark miracles, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the Apocalypse narrative.

This work exemplifies the power of the print medium to disseminate complex theological ideas widely. Dürer’s intense, intricate crosshatching and skillful rendering of figures cemented his reputation as the preeminent printmaker of his era. This significant piece resides in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a historic work of this age and stature, reproductions frequently enter the public domain, making high-quality prints available for scholarly study and appreciation of Dürer’s lasting contribution to art history.