Saint John before God and the Elders, from "The Apocalypse" 1496

Albrecht Durer made this woodcut, Saint John before God and the Elders, as part of his Apocalypse series. It depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, laden with symbolism and foreshadowing the end of the world. Produced in Germany, around 1496-97, this print reflects the religious and social anxieties of the time. The Holy Roman Empire was on the brink of the Reformation and the population was concerned with the state of the Church. Dürer tapped into this widespread unease, visualizing the biblical prophecies in a way that resonated with the public. Note how he combined traditional religious imagery with contemporary German landscape. Art historians might consult theological texts, social histories, and the artist's biographies to fully understand its meaning. The power of this image lies not just in Dürer's skill, but also in its ability to connect with the social and religious context of its time, holding a mirror up to its anxieties and expectations.