The Whore of Babylon

The Whore of Babylon is seated upon a dragon. She embodies a city both corrupt and seductive. Dürer depicts her in the elegant, low-cut dress and updo of a noblewoman of his time. In her right hand she holds a richly adorned cup, a symbol of corruption. A group of people watch her, spellbound. Above, an angel casts a great millstone into the sea, a sign of Babylon’s impending destruction. In the distance, the city burns. The heavenly host, led by a rider known as the Faithful and True, advances from the left.