Revelation – The title page of the 2nd edition of the Latin-I Durer Engravings (1471-1528)

The engraving presents a complex visual narrative centered around two principal figures and a symbolic setting. Above, ornate lettering dominates the upper portion of the composition, establishing the title Apocalypsis C[i]vibus in elaborate Gothic script, intertwined with decorative flourishes that resemble stylized foliage or tendrils. This textual element immediately signals the works connection to apocalyptic literature.
Below this inscription, a scene unfolds within a circular frame. A bearded man, dressed in simple robes, sits at a table upon which rests an open book. His posture suggests contemplation and perhaps dictation; his hand is raised as if poised to write or gesture. He appears aged, with a furrowed brow and a solemn expression that conveys gravitas.
To the right of this figure, a second individual stands, radiating light. This personage is depicted wearing elaborate royal attire – a crown atop their head, a richly ornamented garment, and what seems to be a scepter held in one hand. A halo surrounds them, emphasizing their divine or elevated status. The presence of animalistic figures – what appear to be lambs – at the base of the circular frame further enriches the symbolic content. These creatures are rendered with considerable detail, adding an element of naturalism within the otherwise stylized composition.
The engraving’s use of light and shadow is significant. The radiant figure is bathed in a bright glow, contrasting sharply with the darker tones surrounding the seated man and the overall background. This contrast serves to highlight the divine nature of the second individual and emphasizes their role as a source of revelation or guidance for the man at the table.
The circular frame itself suggests completeness and eternity, reinforcing the themes inherent in apocalyptic literature – the cyclical nature of time, judgment, and ultimate redemption. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of facial features and clothing, lends a sense of realism and immediacy to the scene, despite its overtly symbolic content. It is likely that this image was intended not merely as an illustration but as a visual key to understanding the text it accompanies, offering a layered interpretation for those who engage with the written word.