A detailed sixteenth-century etching by Gerard de Jode depicting the biblical narrative of the two witnesses from the Book of Revelation.

This etching by Gerard de Jode depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, specifically the narrative of the two witnesses. The composition is contained within a circular frame, a common format for sixteenth-century book illustrations. In the foreground, a monstrous beast with wings attacks the figures of the two witnesses. To the right, observers stand in contemplation, witnessing the event. In the upper portion of the print, the two witnesses are shown ascending into the clouds, signifying their resurrection and ascension to heaven. The background includes architectural elements that suggest a city setting, providing context for the biblical event.

Gerard de Jode was a prominent cartographer, engraver, and publisher based in Antwerp. His work often involved the production of series illustrating biblical themes, which were distributed across Europe. The technique employed here demonstrates the precision characteristic of Flemish printmaking during the late sixteenth century. The lines are fine and controlled, allowing for the rendering of textures on the beast and the drapery of the figures. The Latin inscription beneath the image provides a summary of the narrative, identifying the source as Chapter 11 of the Apocalypse. This print is a fine example of the intersection between religious iconography and the technical advancements in print production during the Dutch Golden Age. The inclusion of decorative corner motifs within the square frame balances the central circular composition, creating a structured visual experience typical of the period.