The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seals

Albrecht Dürer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a scene featuring celestial and terrestrial elements. The upper portion of the image depicts a heavenly realm with figures, clouds, angels, and an altar. The sun and moon, both with human faces, shine down upon the scene. Stars or sparks descend from the heavens toward the earth below. The lower portion shows a landscape with gestures, vegetation, and animals, responding to the celestial activities above. The composition is detailed, with religious and fantastical motifs, suggesting an allegorical or apocalyptic narrative.