The Sixth Trumpet (Bamberg Apocalypse)

The illumination is horizontally divided. The upper register features a golden cube representing the altar of God, flanked by a haloed angel blowing a long horn and a row of four haloed, winged celestial beings emerging from blue stylized water waves. The lower register is set against a solid gold background, depicting three riders in patterned tunics and peaked hats mounted on horses that emit red flames from their mouths. The horses trample three prostrate, dying figures, while a figure in a simple robe stands on the bottom left, watching the scene with a pained expression. The figures are rendered in a flat, linear Ottonian style with bold outlines and vibrant colors.

This image illustrates the Sixth Trumpet prophecy from the Book of Revelation (9:13-19), depicting the divine command and the subsequent release of the plagues upon humanity. It is a folio from the Bamberg Apocalypse, a seminal Ottonian manuscript produced around 1000 CE, reflecting medieval apocalyptic anxieties.