The Multitude Which Stands before the Throne 1546 - 1556

Jean Duvet created this engraving, "The Multitude Which Stands before the Throne," in 16th-century France. It depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation. The artist’s dense, almost chaotic style invites us to consider the social role of religious imagery in a time of upheaval. Duvet’s France was one of religious wars and the rise of Protestantism. As such, images played a crucial role in shaping religious identity and belief. Consider the artist’s choice to depict a heavenly vision in such elaborate detail. Is this an attempt to overwhelm the viewer with the power and glory of God, reasserting Catholic authority amid the Reformation? Or is it a more personal expression of faith? To fully understand this print, we might turn to historical documents, theological treatises, and even the artist's biography. By situating the artwork in its social and institutional context, we can start to unpack the complex meanings embedded within it.