The Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride into the Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest presents "The Horsemen of the Apocalypse," an exhibition delving into the profound and enduring theme of apocalyptic visions through the works of master artists. The exhibition draws from the museum's rich collection, showcasing complete series by Dürer, Duvet, and Redon, with a special emphasis on Lucas Cranach the Elder's apocalyptic series, presented to the public for the first time in this format.

Exhibition curator Szilvia Bodnár explained that the concept originated from the museum's existing holdings. She highlighted the inherent duality within the apocalyptic narrative – the presence of fear and suffering, juxtaposed with the ultimate triumph of good and divine forces. Bodnár drew a compelling parallel between these Renaissance series and modern comic books, noting their sequential nature and clear visual storytelling, a comparison she embraced with a smile.

The exhibition facilitates a stylistic dialogue between Albrecht Dürer's stark woodcuts and Jean Duvet's 1555 copper engravings. Dürer, a young artist of 27, created his "Apocalypse" series with youthful vigor, while Duvet, at 70, completed his intricate work late in his career. Duvet's engravings, characterized by dense, vibrant lines and complex compositions, offer a stark contrast to Dürer's cleaner aesthetic.

Additionally, the exhibition includes Lucas Cranach the Elder's 1522 series, commissioned by his friend Martin Luther. Many pieces from the Dürer and Duvet series originate from the Esterházy collection, with later acquisitions including works from the collection of Gyula Elischer and Odilon Redon's lithographs, which were purchased directly from the publisher Ambroise Vollard in 1913, making them contemporary artworks at the time of acquisition.