The Annihilation of the Beast; The Capture and Incarceration of the Beast from an Apocalypse blockbook, 2nd edition 1440 - 1450

"The Annihilation of the Beast" is a 15th-century illustration from an Apocalypse blockbook, a type of illustrated book detailing the Book of Revelation. This woodcut depicts the capture and imprisonment of the beast, a common motif in the Apocalypse narrative. The scene features knights on horseback, angels, and the beast chained and thrown into an abyss. This work is characteristic of the blockbook genre, featuring simple lines and vibrant colors. The anonymous artist uses the woodcut's flat, graphic quality to dramatize the story, making it visually engaging for a general audience. The work is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.