The Four Horsemen

Medium:
Woodcut on laid paper

Dimensions:
Plate: 39.5 x 28.5 cm (15 9/16 x 11 1/4 in.)
Sheet: 45.7 x 31.5 cm (18 x 12 3/8 in.)

This is one of Albrecht Dürer's most famous woodcuts. It depicts the four horsemen said in the Book of Revelation to hail the end of the world: Death, Famine, War, Plague (from left to right). Note that the horsemen are trampling all men beneath them, including a king; this serves as a reminder not to be too vain or proud, for death, destruction and judgement will eventually come to all.

(Text: Emily Wilkinson)