The Revelation of St. John (1558) - Page 6

Those riding with a bow, a sword, and a scale; and Hell follows Death. Revelation 6.

original Latin: "Equitantes cum arcu, gladio ac ſtatera, & Mortem Infernus ſequitur. Apoc. 6."

The angel gives a sword to the rider. One has a bow, one a scale in his hand. Death and hell follow after them. Revelation 6.
original German: "Der Engel gibt dem reitenden ein ſchwerdt. Einer hat ein bogen / einer ein wage in der hand. Den volget der Todt und helle nach. Apoc. 6."

This illustration by Hans Holbein the Younger captures the dramatic onset of the Apocalypse. As the Lamb opens the first four seals of the scroll, four riders are summoned:

The First Rider (Conquest): Mounted on a white horse and carrying a bow.
The Second Rider (War): Mounted on a red horse, receiving a "great sword" to take peace from the earth.
The Third Rider (Famine): Mounted on a black horse, holding a pair of scales (statera), symbolizing the scarcity and high cost of food.
The Fourth Rider (Death): Often depicted on a pale horse. Here, he is represented as a skeleton, with "Hell" (often depicted in this era as a monstrous mouth or a following presence) trailing behind him.

In the 16th century, these images resonated deeply with a public living through frequent warfare, plague, and religious upheaval. The woodcut emphasizes the terrifying momentum of these figures as they trample the earthly population.