The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 24, 2024

St. John on the Island of Patmos

St. John on the Island of Patmos

c. 1545–55
(German, 1514–1562)
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.)
Catalogue raisonné: Passavant IV.303.1; Geisberg 1319
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.
  • Love Gardens / Forbidden Fruit. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 2-October 29, 2023).
    Against the Grain: Woodcuts from the Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (August 17-November 9, 2003).
    Albrecht Dürer and His Influence. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 16-March 10, 1991).
  • {{cite web|title=St. John on the Island of Patmos|url=false|author=Virgilius Solis|year=c. 1545–55|access-date=24 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1954.565