Apocalypse

engraving by Duvet

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June 18, 2026

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The term "apocalypse" refers to the end or destruction of the world, particularly as described in the Christian Bible.1

Jean Duvet, a French engraver active in the 16th century, created a notable series of 24 engravings titled "Apocalypse". These works, published in 1561, were influenced by Albrecht Dürer's engravings but are characterized by Duvet's highly individual style. Duvet's "Apocalypse" series is recognized for its imaginative and visionary quality, with compositions dictated by the subject matter rather than strict adherence to spatial accuracy or realistic depiction of figures. His style in these later works moved away from classical settings, featuring less defined spaces and a more expressive, sometimes distorted, rendering of human forms to enhance symbolic meaning.2

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Jean Duvet
…the unicorn series and the “Apocalypse.” The former, probably done in the early 1540s, earned the artist the title of Master of the Unicorn. The unicorn engravings point stylistically toward his later works, with less defined space, congested composition, and a touch of the grotesque in the heads.
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…the unicorn series and the “Apocalypse.” The former, probably done in the early 1540s, earned the artist the title of Master of the Unicorn. The unicorn engravings point stylistically toward his later works, with less defined space, congested composition, and a touch of the grotesque in the heads.
Read More