The Martyrdom of Saint John, from The Apocalypse

The Martyrdom of Saint John, from The Apocalypse by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a powerful early masterpiece from the artist's foundational Apocalypse series. Executed between 1495 and 1499, this large-format woodcut, printed in black ink on ivory laid paper, demonstrates the revolutionary graphic talent Dürer possessed upon returning to his native Nuremberg in Germany. The technique employed here elevated the status of the print medium from mere illustration to a recognized form of high art, utilizing intricate cross-hatching, varied line weight, and dramatic contrasts to convey the horrific, intense scene.

The image depicts the moment Saint John the Evangelist is sentenced by the Roman Emperor Domitian to be boiled alive in a vat of oil, a scene derived from the apocryphal Acts of John. The meticulous detail evident in the drapery and the Renaissance-influenced architectural setting contrasts sharply with the frantic energy of the executioners and the agonizing expression of the saint. The intense drama and technical sophistication of the composition quickly made Dürer internationally famous.

The complete Apocalypse series, comprising fifteen prints, was published simultaneously in both Latin and German, catering to the growing market for accessible religious imagery throughout late 15th-century Europe and cementing Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent Northern Renaissance printmaker. This pivotal piece resides within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The widespread influence of works like The Martyrdom of Saint John ensures that high-quality reproductions of this iconic print are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing global access to Dürer’s mastery.