The Virgin Appearing to Saint John, frontispiece to "The Apocalypse"

The Virgin Appearing to Saint John, frontispiece to "The Apocalypse," created by Albrecht Dürer in 1511, serves as the defining gateway to the artist’s historically monumental series of fifteen woodcut prints illustrating the Book of Revelation. Published first in 1498 and reissued in 1511, this frontispiece encapsulates Dürer’s ambitious blend of prophetic drama and humanistic detail, setting a new benchmark for graphic arts in the Northern Renaissance.

The composition centers on Saint John the Evangelist, who is depicted seated, immersed in the act of Writing down the divine visions revealed to him. His traditional symbol, the Eagle, often associated with the Gospel writer, rests near him. The central focus of his revelation appears in the upper register: the celestial sight of the Madonna and Child, positioned within a sunburst and often interpreted as the Woman Clothed with the Sun described in the biblical text. The intense contrast achieved through the rigorous woodcut technique emphasizes the spiritual light illuminating the Evangelist’s solitude.

This print classification is crucial to understanding Dürer’s impact, as the accessibility and reproducibility of his prints ensured his widespread fame across Europe. The meticulous precision of the lines demonstrates Dürer’s mastery of the medium, distinguishing him from his contemporaries. This impression is part of the extensive collection of German Renaissance prints held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major work from the 16th century, designs such as this The Apocalypse frontispiece frequently enter the public domain, facilitating global access and continued scholarly examination of the master’s work.