The Four Angels Restraining the Winds, from "The Apocalypse"

The Four Angels Restraining the Winds, from "The Apocalypse" by Albrecht Dürer, created between 1497 and 1498, is one of the most powerful sheets from his monumental fifteen-piece series illustrating the Book of Revelation. This landmark project revolutionized the use of the woodcut medium, elevating it from a simple illustrative technique to a sophisticated artistic form capable of profound dramatic expression. The specific scene depicted is drawn from Revelation 7:1, where four angels stand poised at the corners of the earth, actively preventing the four winds from blowing until the servants of God are sealed.

Dürer masterfully uses complex line work to convey intense tension and drama within the print. The German Renaissance artist employs sophisticated cross-hatching techniques to define volume and deep shadow, giving the monumental figures a sculptural presence previously unseen in woodcuts of this era. The composition is highly dynamic, showing the immense physical effort required by the angels to restrain the powerful, swirling winds, which are often symbolized by grotesque, puffing faces emanating from the clouds beneath them. The detailed treatment of the billowing drapery and the emotional intensity of the composition are characteristic of Dürer's early mature style.

This influential piece cemented Dürer’s reputation across Europe and demonstrated the mass appeal and commercial viability of religious prints in the late 15th century. Due to the inherent replicability of the woodcut medium, these prints were widely disseminated, contributing significantly to their cultural impact and the artist’s fame. Today, this impression of the apocalyptic vision is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural status, this work, like many impressions of Dürer’s series, is considered part of the public domain, ensuring the continued study and appreciation of this seminal masterwork.