The Vision of the Seven Candlesticks, from "The Apocalypse"

The Vision of the Seven Candlesticks, from "The Apocalypse" is a foundational print by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1498. This powerful woodcut forms part of his revolutionary series illustrating the Book of Revelation. The late fifteenth century marked a period of intense religious and social upheaval in Europe, making Dürer's depiction of the Apocalypse particularly resonant. The scene specifically illustrates the first chapter of Revelation, where Saint John the Evangelist witnesses a majestic vision of Jesus Christ.

Dürer masterfully utilized the relief technique of the woodcut medium to achieve deep contrasts and intricate details, thereby elevating the artistic status of reproducible prints. Jesus is centrally positioned, dressed in priestly robes, standing among the seven golden candlesticks. The iconography closely follows the Biblical text, including the two-edged sword emanating from Christ’s mouth, symbolizing divine judgment. This composition highlights the dramatic intensity and dense composition characteristic of the German Renaissance. Dürer’s execution of light and shadow demonstrates his exceptional skill in translating complex theological concepts into visually compelling and widely distributed images.

A highly sought-after impression of this work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and profound historical importance of these prints, they remain staples of art historical study. Reproductions of these masterly works are often available through institutional public domain programs, ensuring broad access to Dürer's visionary interpretation of the Book of Revelation.