The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seals

The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seals, created by the German master Albrecht Dürer, is a powerful example of the woodcut medium, executed on laid paper during the period spanning 1401 to 1500. This piece originates from Dürer’s famed Apocalypse series, first published in 1498, a groundbreaking collection that revolutionized printmaking and established him as a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance. The entire series captures the intense religious fervor and anxieties prevalent in Europe at the turn of the 16th century.

Dürer masterfully merges two distinct events from the Book of Revelation (Chapter 6) into a single, intensely dramatic scene. The Fifth Seal is represented by the souls of the martyrs kneeling below the celestial altar, receiving white robes from an outstretched hand, signifying their vindication. Simultaneously, the Sixth Seal unleashes cosmic horror: figures collapse in terror as meteors rain down, the sun darkens, and the mountains crumble.

Dürer’s command of the woodcut technique allowed him to achieve unprecedented detail and tonal range, using sharp, dynamic lines to convey the overwhelming sense of divine chaos and the texture of both earth and heaven. This early print demonstrates the sophisticated graphic power that made the Apocalypse prints incredibly influential throughout Europe.

The popularity and enduring quality of this work reflect its significant role in the history of German Renaissance art. Although created more than 500 years ago, high-quality prints of this subject are widely accessible today, often available through public domain collections, ensuring the continued study of Dürer's graphic genius. This specific impression is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing a crucial reference point for the study of 15th-century prints.