The Virgin Appearing to St. John, from The Apocalypse

The Virgin Appearing to St. John, from The Apocalypse, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a foundational example of Northern Renaissance graphic art. Executed in 1511, this pivotal work is classified as a print, specifically a woodcut rendered in rich black ink on ivory laid paper, which has naturally mellowed and discolored to a sophisticated gray tone over centuries. Dürer revolutionized the woodcut medium, transforming the conventional block print into a vehicle for dramatic expression and fine detail previously associated primarily with engraving.

This specific impression belongs to the second, highly important Latin edition of his iconic series illustrating the Book of Revelation. The scene depicts St. John, positioned dynamically within the frame, receiving a celestial vision. Dürer’s technical mastery is fully evident in the meticulous handling of light and shadow, achieved through complex cross-hatching and varied line work that lends a sense of three-dimensionality and weight to the figures and drapery. Such innovation in printmaking solidified Dürer’s position as the foremost artistic figure in Germany during the early 16th century.

This historic work resides within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical example of 16th-century prints and the spread of Renaissance ideals across Europe. The enduring quality and religious significance of the work have ensured its continued study and reproduction; high-resolution images of this piece, like many of Dürer’s most famous prints, are widely accessible in the public domain today.