(b. 1471, Nürnberg, d. 1528, Nürnberg)
The Revelation of St John: 3. St John and the Twenty-four Elders in Heaven1497-98
Woodcut, 39 x 28 cm
Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe
In another vision (Rev. 4:1-10, 5:1-8) John saw Christ enthroned, before him seven burning torches, around him four creatures resembling a lion, ox, man and eagle (the `apocalyptic beasts', later made into symbols of the Four Evangelists); round them were twenty-four elders enthroned, wearing golden crowns, each one with a harp . Originally probably a choir of angels, but taken to symbolize the twelve prophets, or patriarchs, and twelve apostles, i.e. the Old and New Testaments. John is again kneeling.