The Four Avenging Angels, from "The Apocalypse", Latin Edition

The Four Avenging Angels, from "The Apocalypse", Latin Edition by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful example of German Renaissance printmaking, executed in 1511. This specific impression belongs to Dürer’s revised, expanded Latin edition of his famous Apocalypse series, which cemented his reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his age.

As a masterful woodcut, the piece showcases Dürer’s unparalleled technical precision in line work and handling of dramatic scale. The dense black lines contrast sharply with the white ground, effectively conveying the chaotic movement essential for depicting the catastrophic End Times. The scene illustrates a climactic moment from the Book of Revelation (9:13-16), where four fearsome angels, previously bound at the Euphrates River, are finally unleashed to bring divine judgment upon humanity.

Dürer visualizes this destruction with overwhelming intensity. The angels, mounted upon powerful horses, brandish large, curved swords as they charge forward, symbolizing the swift and devastating spread of death across the earthly plane. The sense of apocalyptic terror is heightened by the energetic composition, which allows the riders to dominate the frame. Since its original publication in 1498 and subsequent reissue in 1511, this series of prints has profoundly influenced the visual culture of Western religion and graphic arts.

The detailed execution demonstrates why Dürer’s woodcuts were highly sought-after across Europe, making complex theological narratives accessible to a broader public. This specific impression of The Four Avenging Angels is preserved in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key example of the artistic and religious fervor characterizing the transition from the late medieval to the early modern period.