“The Whore of Babylon,” an artwork by Albrecht Dürer created between 1497 and 1498, is a religious painting from the Northern Renaissance era. This piece is part of the “Apocalypse” series and is currently located at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The detailed woodcut features a complex scene full of symbolism and chaos, as associated with the apocalyptic visions from the Biblical Book of Revelation. The central figure is the Whore of Babylon, seated on a beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is adorned with jewels and holds a golden cup in her hand. Surrounding her are various figures, including kings and other characters who appear in revelry or shock at the unfolding events. Above the scene, angels can be seen in the clouds, with one pouring out a vial, possibly representing one of the seven last plagues. The intense and dramatic imagery serves to represent the fall of the corrupt and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Dürer’s intricate work is notable for its expressive line work and attention to detail, capturing the tumultuous vision, and was a significant contribution to the visual arts during the Northern Renaissance.
