The Dragon with two Horns and the Beast with Seven, from the Apocalypse 1470 - 1580

Jean Duvet created this engraving, "The Dragon with two Horns and the Beast with Seven," sometime in the 16th century. The initial impression is one of densely packed forms swirling within an arch, creating an atmosphere of dynamic chaos. Duvet's technique uses a complex web of fine lines to build form and texture, typical of the Northern Renaissance. The composition is structured vertically, with celestial figures at the top and earthly chaos below, reflecting a traditional symbolic hierarchy. However, the lack of clear spatial organization destabilizes this hierarchy, pulling the viewer into a disorienting scene of apocalyptic vision. Note the intricate rendering of textures, from the scales of the dragon to the flowing robes, each crafted to enhance the dramatic tension. The print grapples with themes of religious and political upheaval, mirroring the anxieties of its time. Ultimately, this image does more than illustrate; it invites a questioning of established structures and meanings, making it a powerful statement on the anxieties of faith and power.