A detailed sixteenth-century engraving by Gerard de Jode depicting the biblical vision of the fifth angel sounding the trumpet.

This engraving by Gerard de Jode depicts the apocalyptic vision described in the Book of Revelation, specifically the sounding of the fifth trumpet. The composition is contained within a circular frame, set against a square background with decorative corner motifs. At the centre, a pit emits smoke and flames, from which emerge locust-like creatures with human faces, a direct visual interpretation of the biblical text. An angel is visible in the upper portion, sounding a trumpet to signal the event, while figures below react in distress to the unfolding chaos.

De Jode, a prominent cartographer and printmaker based in Antwerp, produced this work as part of a series illustrating biblical narratives. The technique employs fine, controlled lines to create shading and texture, typical of sixteenth-century Flemish printmaking. The Latin inscription at the base provides context for the scene, referencing the fifth chapter of Revelation and the terror inflicted upon the earth. The figures are rendered with a sense of movement and anatomical detail, reflecting the influence of contemporary Mannerist styles on Northern European art of the period. The contrast between the dark, swirling smoke and the lighter background elements demonstrates the technical precision required for copperplate engraving. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late Renaissance, where religious themes were frequently explored through the medium of small-scale, highly detailed prints intended for wider distribution among scholars and the public.