The Four Avenging Angels, from "The Apocalypse" 1496 - 1498

Albrecht Durer made this woodcut, titled "The Four Avenging Angels", as part of his Apocalypse series. This work depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, responding to widespread anxieties and crises in Europe at the turn of the 16th century. Durer masterfully uses the woodcut medium to convey the chaos of divine punishment. Produced in Nuremberg, Germany, this image reflects the religious and social tensions of the Reformation era. The composition is divided into distinct registers, the upper showing divine command and the lower showing earthly devastation. Angels emerge from the heavens to smite the figures below. Durer skillfully renders the textures of fabric, skin, and clouds, heightening the drama of the scene. The artist was not merely illustrating scripture, but also commenting on the state of the world around him. By studying the historical context of Durer’s time, we can better understand the cultural forces that shaped his artistic vision. Research into the artist's biography and the reception of his work can further illuminate the connections between art and society.