Albrecht Durer, a German artist, created The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in 1498 as part of a larger series. The painting depicts Death, Famine, War, and Pestilence as described in the Bible. What sets Durer’s woodcut apart from other depictions is its intricate level of detail which allows us to differentiate between the colors of the horses.
The famous painting draws from Italian influences and has influenced many artists. It features Death as an emaciated man riding a malnourished horse. The overall theme is danger and determination in war. Furthermore, it can be interpreted symbolically both religiously and historically.
Dürer was known for his high level of technical skill that he displayed through precise details in his artwork. This piece demonstrates his excellence at depicting subjects with elaborate symbolism and complexity while maintaining excellent accuracy through fine line work.
