The Angel Sounding the Sixth Trumpet 1546 - 1556

Jean Duvet created this engraving, The Angel Sounding the Sixth Trumpet, during the 16th century, a time marked by significant religious and social upheaval. Duvet lived through the Protestant Reformation, influencing both the subject matter and the emotional intensity of his work. Here, Duvet visualizes a scene from the Book of Revelation, filled with angels, demons, and suffering humanity. Notice how Duvet departs from traditional representations of angels, depicting them as muscular figures actively engaged in battle. The image is densely packed, creating a sense of chaos and violence, as bodies pile upon bodies. This intense imagery reflects the anxieties of a society grappling with religious conflict and the fear of divine retribution. Duvet’s detailed rendering invites you to reflect on the relationship between faith, power, and the human condition. The artist captures a sense of impending doom, reflecting the complex tapestry of faith and fear during the Reformation.