Albrecht DÜRER (1471-1528), Apocalypse: Vision of the Seven Candlesticks

woodcut (20th century print), paper, 40 x 30 cm (clear passe-partout);
Signed on panel, middle d.: bound monogram "AD".
Albrecht Dürer's woodcut "Vision of the Seven Candlesticks" comes from his famous cycle "Apocalypse", which was published in 1498. The cycle is based on visions from the Apocalypse of St. John (the Book of Revelation), one of the most symbolic books of the New Testament, which describes the end of the world, the struggle between good and evil, and God's final victory over the forces of darkness.
Dürer used the woodcut technique to achieve detailed and dramatic visual effects. The lines are precise and the details are rich and dynamic. The entire scene is filled with biblical and moral symbolism, which is typical of late medieval and early Renaissance art. Dürer created an apocalyptic vision, in which themes of hope, salvation and the inevitable struggle between good and evil are interwoven.
The "Apocalypse" series was Dürer's first major project, which brought him international fame. It was created at a time of great social, religious and political tensions in late 15th century Europe. At the time, people were living in an atmosphere of anticipation of the imminent end of the world, which explains the popularity of apocalyptic motifs in the art of the period.
Dürer's woodcuts also show the influence of humanism and modern ideas. Although grounded in the medieval tradition, Dürer introduced innovative approaches to composition and expression into his works, making his art unique to the period.