St. John on the Island of Patmos

c. 1545–55

Virgil Solis

(German, 1514–1562)

Culture

Germany

Medium

woodcut

Measurements

Image: 19.8 x 37.3 cm (7 13/16 x 14 11/16 in.); Sheet: 19.8 x 37.3 cm (7 13/16 x 14 11/16 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1954.565

Catalogue raisonné

Passavant IV.303.1; Geisberg 1319

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

In this setting intended to be the Greek island of Patmos, the saint sits among northern European trees and towns, and even a northern ship on the harbor.

Description

Christian tradition says that after Christ’s death, John the Evangelist was exiled to the Aegean island Patmos, where he composed the Book of Revelation based on a series of prophetic visions. Here, Saint John gazes upward toward a vision of the woman of the apocalypse (traditionally interpreted as the Virgin Mary) in the top left corner. The artist’s composition implies that John’s vision was partially inspired by his isolation within nature—portrayed in a wide expanse featuring dramatic peaks and fir trees, castles, farms, shepherds, and even a merchant’s ship on a vast harbor.