The Four Angels Staying the Winds, from The Apocalypse

The Four Angels Staying the Winds, from The Apocalypse by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a pivotal work of the Northern Renaissance, executed between 1496 and 1498. This powerful image is rendered through the demanding technique of the woodcut, utilizing black ink applied to tan laid paper. The print belongs to Dürer’s monumental fifteen-piece series illustrating the Book of Revelation. This particular scene depicts the moment four angels, positioned at the corners of the Earth, are commanded to restrain the destructive winds until the servants of God are sealed upon their foreheads by a fifth angel, seen descending from above.

The graphic intensity and detailed linear work displayed in this piece revolutionized the art of prints in Germany during the late 15th century. Dürer’s interpretation elevated the traditional German print style, introducing unprecedented complexity and dramatic vigor that established him as the preeminent graphic artist of his era. This early masterpiece solidified his international reputation and demonstrated his ability to monumentalize complex Biblical narrative within a small scale.

Works from this important series, including many high-resolution prints, are often found in the public domain today, ensuring wide access to Dürer’s graphic genius. Classified simply as a print, this iconic image remains a crucial example of early German Renaissance graphic arts and is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.