Durer's Fame became international when thousands of his brillant woodcuts, were printed inexpensively from his brillant woodcuts. He was the first genius of mass communications, the first to master both woodcuts and engravings as well as etchings and dry points. Durer's first major success in the graphic arts, hailed both in his native Germany and elsewhere, was The Apocalypse, published in 1498, a series of 15 woodcuts illustrating the Revelation of St. John that heralded the end of the world. At this time in history it was widely believed that the end of the world was at hand with the approaching 17th century.
The Four Horsemen
This fourth print of the series is one of Durer's best-known woodcuts. In it, the Four Horsemen representing, from left to right, Death, Famine, Pestilence and War- ride rampant over the earth. Under the eyes of an angel, the three powerful horses and riders trample men and women, while Death's bony nag trends upon a bishop falling inot the gaping jaws of the Dragon of Hell.
In 1511 Durer published a series depicting the later life of Christ. The 12 woodcuts, some of which had earlier been issued singly, were called "The Large Passion" because of the size of the prints-11 by 15 inches.
The Large Passion
This woodcut from "The Large Passion" showing Christ's descent into Limbo after His Crucifixation, almost achieves the effect of an engraving in its subtle shadings. Behind Christ stand Adam (holding the Cross), Eve and others under His protection. In the grotesque beasts at right Durer has enriched the traditional medieval German concept of Hell's denizens. (Source "The World of Durer 1471-1528 by Francis Russell and the Editors of Time-Life Books, published 1973.
