The Martyrdom of Saint John, from "The Apocalypse"

The Martyrdom of Saint John, from "The Apocalypse," created by Albrecht Dürer in 1511, is a foundational piece from one of the most influential print series in Western art history. This powerful woodcut exemplifies the technical revolution Dürer initiated, elevating the traditionally utilitarian medium of the woodblock print to the status of high art. Produced during the height of the German Renaissance, the work belongs to the final complete edition of Dürer’s monumental cycle illustrating the prophetic visions of the Book of Revelation.

The intense composition focuses on the attempted execution of the Saint John figure, a dramatic theological event frequently depicted in early modern prints to illustrate the triumph of faith over persecution. Dürer focuses the viewer’s attention on the moment the aged saint is lowered into a vat of boiling oil, a legendary incident intended to lead to his martyrdom. Surrounding the vat are various figures, including high-ranking Roman men overseeing the torture, soldiers, and horrified women observers. A small dog, visible in the foreground, provides a terrestrial counterpoint to the cosmic drama unfolding.

The profound impact of Dürer's Apocalypse series lay not only in its artistic innovation but also in its wide accessibility; as prints, these images circulated rapidly throughout Europe, cementing Dürer’s reputation as a continental master. This particular impression of the woodcut is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Its availability through various museum collections means that high-quality prints are often accessible to the public domain, allowing continued study of Dürer’s revolutionary application of line and contrast.